Article: Cockatiels require daily care and attention, and can be noisy and messy pets. With proper care, they can live for more than twenty years! Before purchasing a Cockatiel, you should consider the following questions (and include anyone else who lives with you in the discussion): How much money am I prepared to spend? While Cockatiels are not very expensive to purchase($80 to $100 or more), they need sizable cages, and plenty of toys and other enrichment items. In addition, you will need to take your Cockatiel to the vet for annual examination. How much time can I spend with my Cockatiel? Unless someone is at home most of the day, a single Cockatiel is likely to be lonely. Paired Cockatiels will need less attention, but you'll still have to give them daily attention and care. Am I sensitive to noise and mess? Though Cockatiels are not extremely noisy, they will be vocal in the morning and evening, and can create big messes. If you're a neat freak or hate being woken up early in the morning, a Cockatiel might not be right for you. How long am I prepared to care for a pet? Because Cockatiels can live for upwards of twenty years, consider your dedication carefully before purchasing. If you are underage, consider who will care for your Cockatiel if you cannot keep it while at college. The cage should be at least at least 2 feet (0.6m) tall with a 20-inch width and 18-inch depth, but a larger cage is recommended. The cage should have bars no more than 3/4 of an inch apart. Stainless steel cages are recommended. Because zinc and lead are poisonous to birds, the cage should also be guaranteed to not contain these materials. Additionally, because Cockatiels love to climb around their cage, the cage should have at least a few horizontal bars. Cockatiels, like any pet bird, require things to keep them entertained in their cages. You will need to purchase: Two food bowls and a water bowl. You will need need separate bowls for the dry and wet bird food (wet food will be items like fruit, cooked beans, etc.) A skirt for the cage to catch thrown seed. Lots of perches for the cage. Cockatiels like to climb and play so lots of perches will make your cockatiel very happy. You will notice that your cockatiel will choose one perch as his home base (the perch where he will sleep.) A bunch of toys for your Cockatiel to play with. Buy several toys and rotate them every week so that your bird isn't bored. Cockatiels love to chew, so toys like twig balls, or rafia and palm strips are best. Though not necessary, purchasing cleaning supplies, such as poop remover and a handheld vacuum, is a good idea. You will also need to purchase a cuttlebone for calcium; this is particularly important for female Cockatiels, who can get egg binding problems (females will lay eggs without a male; they'll just be unfertilized).

What is a summary?
Consider if a Cockatiel is the right pet for you. Purchase a cage. Purchase the other supplies you'll need. Buy extra supplies (optional).