The ASPCA offers following advices to help protect your cockatiel on the independent day:

1. Never leave alcoholic drinks unattended where cockatiels can reach them. Alcoholic beverages have the potential to poison cockatiels. If ingested, the animal could become very intoxicated and weak, severely depressed or could go into a coma. Death from respiratory failure is also a possibility in severe cases.

2. Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellent product to your cockatiel that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

3. Always keep matches and lighter fluid out of your cockatiels’ reach. Certain types of matches contain chlorates, which could potentially damage blood cells and result in difficulty breathing—or even kidney disease in severe cases. Lighter fluid can be irritating to skin, and if ingested can produce gastrointestinal irritation and central nervous system depression. If lighter fluid is inhaled, aspiration pneumonia and breathing problems could develop.

4. Keep your cockatiels on their normal diet. Any change, even for one meal, can give your cockatiels severe indigestion and diarrhea. This is particularly true for older animals who have more delicate digestive systems and nutritional requirements. And keep in mind that foods such as onions, chocolate, coffee, avocado, grapes & raisins, salt and yeast dough can all be potentially toxic to companion animals.

5. Do not put glow jewelry on your cockatiels, or allow them to play with it. While the luminescent substance contained in these products is not highly toxic, excessive drooling and gastrointestinal irritation could still result from ingestion’s, and intestinal blockage could occur from swallowing large pieces of the plastic containers.

6. Keep citronella candles, insect coils and oil products out of reach. Ingestion’s can produce stomach irritation and possibly even central nervous system depression. If inhaled, the oils could cause aspiration pneumonia in cockatiels.

7. Never use fireworks around cockatiels! While exposure to lit fireworks can potentially result in severe burns and/or trauma to the face and paws of curious cockatiels, even unused fireworks can pose a danger. Many types contain potentially toxic substances, including potassium nitrate, arsenic and other heavy metals.

8. Loud, crowded fireworks displays are no fun for cockatiels, so please resist the urge to take them to Independence Day festivities. Instead, keep your little guys safe from the noise in a quiet, sheltered and escape-proof area at home.

Cockatiels originate from the land down under, and can be found in almost any lightly forested or grassy areas throughout most of the continent of Australia. They look like a smaller version of the cockatoo, sharing the characteristic crest and broad head, and they range in size from 10″-14″, unlike the larger members of the Cacatuidae family.

Many are drawn to cockatiels as pets because of their beauty, manageable size, and their flexible and adaptable nature. They tend to adjust well to a working family’s busy schedule and absences and are available in many color variations, including gray, lutino, pearl, pied, cinnamon, fallow, and charcoal.

They must be handled from a young age to prevent aggression, but are very affectionate once tamed. Males are generally more vocal and can be quite protective of their mates, and they can be taught to whistle songs and talk around 8-10 months. Females, though quieter and less vocal, tend to be more affectionate.

Though the cockatiel is a smaller bird, it still requires plenty of space and adequate exercise. Our motto for cage size is always “the bigger the better.” Plan 1/2″-3/4″ bar spacing and enough interior space to comfortably accommodate toys and perches. Cockatiels enjoy climbing, so horizontal cage bars and ladders are ideal for encouraging this behavior.

If you’re considering a cockatiel, they have a lifespan of about 10-17 years, and the average cost of a cockatiel is between $80-$100 for grey’s and about $150-$175 for a mixed color cockatiel.