What can cockatiels eat?

Cockatiels thrive on pellets and fresh vegetables, and do poorly on seed alone. Below, 68 common foods are rated for cockatiels, with portions sized for a small parrot.

15Yes
37Small amounts
7Better not
9Never

Never feed your cockatiel

Diet basics

Make pellets the main food. Veterinary guidance suggests about 75–80% of a cockatiel’s diet.
Seed-only diets can lead to ill health and a shorter life. The RSPCA suggests seed should be no more than about a tenth of the diet for small parrots.
Fruits, vegetables and greens should make up no more than about 20–25% of the daily diet.
Cockatiels are vulnerable to vitamin A deficiency and low dietary calcium, so dark leafy greens and orange vegetables are especially useful.
Fresh, clean water must be available at all times.
Human food should be plain and small: about a teaspoon for a cockatiel is like a dinner plate for a person.