Cockatiels are very social birds and thoroughly enjoy the human interaction of Hand feeding. If your choice is a Cockatiel and you decide to purchase an older bird or a parent raised bird, they are easily tamed and adjust well to the new first time owner. Cockatiels are very affectionate, gentle birds. Just remember, like any bird or other family pet, they need and enjoy your attention. They can deliver a rather painful bite, but they are usually more of a love giver then a bite giver.
Cockatiels can talk with the right stimulation.
However like all birds, NOT every cockatiel will talk. With patience and love they make wonderful additions to any family thinking of adopting a feathered friend into the family. They come in a variety of colors. The standard is gray with yellow, orange and white facial markings. It should be said that they can vary in coloration from Albino to multiple mixtures of color and variations of color.