What Do Cockatiels Eat? The Complete Diet Guide

Some of the most adorable birds you can bring into your house are cockatiels. As a breeder with years of experience raising cockatiels, I can state with confidence that their diet has a significant impact on their general health and feathers. They stay active and live longer when they eat a balanced diet.

“What do cockatiels eat?” is a question that many new bird owners ask me. This is a crucial question because, over time, giving your bird the wrong foods or insufficient variety can cause health issues. I will help you take proper care of your bird by guiding you through what a healthy cockatiel diet looks like in this guide.

Understanding a Cockatiel’s Natural Diet

What Do Wild Cockatiels Eat?

To understand how to feed a pet cockatiel properly, we should look at how they eat in the wild. In their natural habitat, mostly dry areas of Australia, cockatiels are ground foragers. They fly in flocks and spend their time searching for food. Their diet includes a wide range of natural foods, such as grass seeds, grains, small plants, leaves, and the occasional insect.

While they may come across fruit from time to time, wild cockatiels don’t rely on sugary or fatty foods. They eat what’s available in their environment, and that gives them a strong, lean body and the energy to fly and avoid predators. Understanding this natural behavior gives us a guide for feeding our birds at home.

Why Mimicking Their Natural Diet Matters

When cockatiels are taken out of the wild and placed in cages, it’s easy for their diet to change completely. Many pet owners unintentionally feed them a high-fat, low-nutrient diet made up mostly of seeds. While seeds are tasty and natural, they don’t offer the full range of vitamins and minerals a cockatiel needs to stay healthy.

That’s why it’s important to mimic what they’d eat in nature. A well-rounded diet supports feather growth, keeps their immune system strong, and even improves their mood and behavior. Birds that eat right tend to be more playful and social.

The 4 Essential Components of a Balanced Cockatiel Diet

1. High-Quality Pellets

Pellets are the foundation of a healthy cockatiel diet. Unlike seeds, which can be selective and high in fat, pellets are formulated to offer complete nutrition in every bite. I saw birds go from underweight to strong and bright-eyed just by switching to a pellet-based diet.

Pellets are especially helpful for new owners because you don’t have to guess if your bird is getting enough calcium, protein, or vitamins. Everything is built into the pellet. When shopping, look for brands specifically made for cockatiels or small parrots. Avoid those with added sugar, dyes, or artificial flavors.

Tips for choosing the best pellet:

• Look for organic or natural brands like Harrison’s or Roudybush.

• Choose small-sized pellets for easier eating.

• Introduce them slowly by mixing them with your bird’s current food.

• Switching a bird from seeds to pellets takes time and patience, but it’s well worth the effort.

2. Seeds and Grains

Seeds have long been a staple in cockatiel diets, and while they do offer some nutritional value, they’re best given in moderation. Too many seeds can lead to liver issues, and a shortened lifespan. I met many birds that lived mostly on seeds and sadly, many of them had health problems that could’ve been prevented.

Seeds are best used as a treat or a small part of a mixed meal. They’re great for training and bonding, especially if your cockatiel is food-motivated.

Healthy seed guidelines:

• Use a seed mix made for cockatiels, with limited sunflower seeds.

• Offer no more than 10–15% of their total diet in seeds.

• Mix with pellets and fresh food for balance.

Don’t rely on seeds alone. Think of them like potato chips for humans, okay in small amounts, but not something to eat all day.

3. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables

Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential for your cockatiel’s health. They provide key vitamins, natural fiber, and hydration. I always include fresh fruits  in my birds’ daily routine, and I love watching them explore new textures and flavors.

Fruits should be given in smaller amounts due to their sugar content, while vegetables can be offered daily in larger portions. Raw veggies are great, but lightly steamed options work well too.

Cockatiel-safe fruits include:

• Apple (no seeds)
• Banana
• Blueberries, strawberries
• Grapes
• Melon

Healthy vegetables for daily feeding:

• Carrots
• Spinach
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Peas and sweet corn

Foods to avoid at all costs:

• Avocado (toxic)
• Onion and garlic (harmful to the blood)
• Rhubarb
• Mushrooms

Always wash produce well and remove leftovers from the cage within a few hours to prevent bacteria buildup.

4. Occasional Treats and Supplements

Treats make life more fun for you and your bird! They’re also useful for training or building trust, especially if your cockatiel is still warming up to you. But just like kids, cockatiels will choose treats over healthy food if given the chance.

Millet spray is a favorite in my aviary, but I only offer it a couple of times a week. Hard-boiled egg, tiny pieces of plain cereal, and even unsalted rice cakes are healthy options too.

Supplements your bird may need:

– Cuttlebone: A great source of calcium and a natural beak sharpener.

– Mineral blocks: Help with bones and beak health.

Keep these available in the cage, but don’t worry if your bird only uses them occasionally, cockatiels know what their body needs.

Sample Weekly Feeding Schedule

Daily Meal Breakdown

To keep things simple and healthy, here’s a feeding schedule I personally use for my birds:

Morning:

• 1–2 tablespoons of pellets
• Fresh chopped vegetables

Afternoon:

• Small portion of fruit (2–3 times a week)
• Cuttlebone and mineral block available

Evening:

• 1 teaspoon of seeds
• Optional millet treat or scrambled egg (once or twice a week)
• Portion Sizes and Timing

Birds don’t need large amounts of food. A few tablespoons a day is more than enough. Overfeeding leads to waste and can attract pests.

• Pellets: ~60% of total diet
• Vegetables & fruits: ~25%
• Seeds & treats: ~15%

Change water and clean food dishes daily to keep your bird’s space safe and fresh.

Tips for Meal Rotation to Avoid Boredom

Birds can get bored just like we do. Offering the same food every day might lead to picky eating or frustration.

Try this:

• Rotate vegetables daily, carrot today, spinach tomorrow
• Present food in different ways (hanging clips, foraging toys)
• Introduce new foods slowly to avoid overwhelming them

Foods Cockatiels Should Avoid

Common Toxic Foods

Some foods are very harmful to cockatiels even in small amounts. These include:

• Chocolate
• Alcohol
• Caffeine (coffee, tea, soda)
• Avocado
• Garlic and onions

Keep these completely out of reach. Birds can’t vomit like humans, so once they eat something toxic, it can be dangerous or fatal.

Human Foods That Can Harm Cockatiels

Even if your bird shows interest in your meal, avoid sharing anything processed, salty, or sugary. That means:

• Chips
• Cookies
• Pizza
• Bread with butter
• Sweet snacks or fried food

Stick to foods that are plain, fresh, and bird-safe.

Signs of Food Poisoning in Birds

If your cockatiel accidentally eats something toxic, you may see signs like:

• Fluffed-up feathers
• Weakness or sleepiness
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Trouble standing or flying

Call an avian vet immediately if you notice these symptoms.

How to Introduce New Foods to a Cockatiel

Gradual Transition Techniques

Cockatiels are creatures of habit. If they’ve eaten only seeds for a long time, they may ignore pellets or veggies at first. Be patient, it’s normal.

– Start by:

– Mixing small amounts of the new food with the old

– Offering the new food at the same time every day

– Removing it after an hour if untouched, then try again the next day

Encouraging a Picky Eater

If your cockatiel is still refusing new foods, try making it fun:

• Hang leafy greens in the cage like a toy
• Chop veggies into small, colorful pieces
• Eat the food yourself in front of your bird, they love to mimic!

Monitoring Reactions and Preferences

Watch how your bird responds:

• Do they seem interested?
• Is their poop normal?
• Are they more active or alert?

Every bird is different. What one loves, another may ignore.

Hydration: What Do Cockatiels Drink?

Importance of Clean, Fresh Water

Clean water should be available at all times. Dirty water can quickly lead to illness, so change it at least once a day, more often if needed.

Can Cockatiels Drink Juice or Milk?

No. Birds should not drink milk, it can upset their stomach. Juice can be given in a few tiny drops occasionally, but only if it’s 100% pure with no sugar or additives.

Stick with clean water, it’s all your cockatiel needs.

How to Keep Water Sources Clean

Use stainless steel or ceramic bowls (easier to clean)

Wash with warm water and mild soap daily

Don’t place water near seed dishes to avoid contamination

So, what do cockatiels eat? A healthy, balanced diet includes pellets, seeds in moderation, fresh fruits and vegetables, and occasional treats. Just like us, cockatiels feel better when they eat a variety of good food. As a breeder, I guarantee that a great diet can improve a cockatiel’s energy, feathers, and even behavior. Pay attention to what your bird likes and how they react and don’t be afraid to try new healthy options