Last Updated on February 16, 2023 by Mitch Rezman

We have a 2-month-old cockatiel and was told to limit his time out of the cage.

15 mins in the morning and 15 mins at night.

For at least 2 weeks.

Curious as to why this is so important?

So glad you wrote.

That is a poor plan if they (the breeder?) has not given you more information.

 

It may be that at only 8 weeks old the bird is barely weaned and should be near food at all times as it may very well be nearly starving.

 

12 weeks is a good age where the bird would be fully weaned onto seeds, pellets, and wet and dry foods.

 

Cheerios, veggies, millet spray, and drinking well on its own. Until then, if the bird is a little behind, it could be detrimental to its health for the rest of its life.

 

Does the bird beg or cry for what appears to be food? Some baby tiels do more than others.

 

Be sure to have its cage bottom or a shallow open-topped box lined with paper towels or flat cloth towels, then topped with some small toys, balls, beads, rings, bottle tops, etc.

 

Introduce a bunch of Cheerios, some birdseed, maybe a few pellets, so the bottom of the box, tray, or cage has food everywhere the bird will be.

 

It won’t be able to go anywhere without something to put in its beak, toy or food. A small low heavy crock with water in it should also be in the box.

 

The next 2-4 weeks will help your bird wean completely and safely, and you can also place that open-topped box next to you on the sofa, on a table or counter near where you work, which will help you bond with the bird.

 

The more social interaction early, the better.

 

This is the best time to pet your bird, sit with your bird, and talk to it. Plus allow it to wean properly.

 

Best 

 

Catherine

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Catherine Tobsing

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