Cockatiels are relatively small parrots that make excellent pets. Cockatiels are second only to parakeets in terms of pet popularity. They come in a variety of color mutations, some rarer than others. It is best to get a young bird that is handfed. Cockatiels are very affectionate birds that will often learn tricks to delight their owners. They can mimic speech and sounds, but their voice is very high-pitched so it can be hard to hear the words. However, their whistling ability is well known, and many tiels can be taught whole songs with practice. Their gentle, sweet nature makes them ideal birds for young children (although generally pet birds are not a good idea for children under age 6 in most cases). Talk to them often; they will learn to talk. If you are gone for a long period, lea