HOW CAN I STOP MY COCKATIEL BEING BORED?

All pet birds must be let out of their cages for several hours each day. If you can¹t do this, you should think about rehoming the bird into an aviary or with somebody who can give it enough time.

Because cockatiels are social birds, they either need birds as flock mates or humans as bird substitutes. You should train your bird in basic obedience. This will create a bond between the bird and his human "flock" which is you and your family. For details see later in these FAQs.

Give your bird several toys, and change one of them every few days to keep the bird interested in them. Take care with the use of mirrors. Male birds may become very aggressive when offered a mirror, in which case remove it. Music, Radio and TV can be company too ­ though programmes showing wild predators can upset them. A regular routine helps.

Give your bird branches from non poisonous trees ­ fruit trees, willow, hazel, rowan, elm, poplar, and sycamore. These make good perches and cockatiels will enjoy chewing the wood and bark. Loo rolls may make a good toy too. "Shredders", palm leaf toys to shred, are available from Northern Parrots 0845 345 2502. Other possibilities ­ wine corks, loo rolls, pine cones and wooden clothes pegs (remove the metal springfirst).

Think about buying a cockatiel play frame, a sort of exercise gym, from Southern Aviaries on 01825 830283.