White cockatiels with lutino ancestry have a reddish-colored iris and a tendency toward yellow in the normally white feathers. These birds are prone to liver and kidney disorders. Long-term administration of herbs, such as lactulose and milk thistle, has been beneficial in controlling the liver disorder. Adding a teaspoon of flax seed or spray millet to the diet seems to help the kidneys if the birds are fed a formulated diet. These birds require close supervision by an avian veterinarian. White cockatiels with pied ancestry (dark-colored iris and pure white feathers) seem to be stronger in both these aspects.
Other common cockatiel problems of obesity, fatty tumors, xanthomas, and reproductive and feather disorders are significantly reduced when cockatiels are fed Harrison's.
Cockatiels are relatively quiet, nondestructive, entertaining birds that are easy to care for. Because they are considered so gentle, they are excellent as companion birds for children. Cockatiels are limited talkers, but some individuals are so good at whistling that their tunes are recognizable.
Recommended Harrison's Formula for Cockatiel Chicks: Neonate Formula through Day 21, then Juvenile Hand-Feeding Formula for faster weight gain and reduced number of feedings..
Recommended Harrison's Formula for Adult Cockatiels: High Potency Fine for a period of no less than 8 months, Adult Lifetime Fine optionally thereafter.
Behaviorally, cockatoos have a tendency toward aggression and feather picking; however, these characteristics can be reduced by several factors: feeding Harrison's exclusively without the addition of seeds, nuts and table foods, choosing parents that are selectively bred for their calm nature, and parent-raising the chicks.
Large cockatoo species (e.g., umbrella, Moluccan, sulphur-crested) need extra high quality fat in the diet occasionally (Certified organic red palm oil - available in Power Treats and AVIx Sunshine Factor).
Cockatoos are appreciated as companion birds because they enjoy "cuddling." Cockatoos are like small children - they can be charming and may try to "steal the show." Care must be taken to avoid spoiling these birds. Cockatoos have some capacity to mimic but their voice is not as clear as other parrots.
Recommended Harrison's Formula for Cockatoo Chicks: Neonate Formula through Day7, then Juvenile Hand-Feeding Formula for faster weight gain and reduced numbers of feedings daily.
Recommended Harrison's Formula for Adult Cockatoos:
High Potency Coarse.
