The birds beaks should never be clipped, only their nails should be clipped regularly. Also if you do not want the bird to fly freely, you can cut his wings (Take to vet, bird breeder, or anybody with experience.)
Diet
Cockatiels eat a variety of cockatiel foods, including any pelleted food, and variety of seeds, I use a quality seed product with Zupreem pellets, and Milliet Spray. Give the Millet choice free until your tiel is about 12 weeks old, after the 12 weeks limit your bird to a 2-3 inch piece. You can also try Washed vegetables. (This list may include Romaine lettuce, fresh peas, etc.) Always try new veggies, if your cockatiel does not eat it right away, give them a chance they might be in a different mood depending on the time of the year, keep trying though. Also try feeding it from your mouth because to him your the Parent, and in the wild when the parent does that it tells the bird that the food is safe to eat. NEVER GIVE YOUR TIEL SUGAR INCLUDED PRODUCTS OR FATTY PRODUCTS, (Chocolate, for example)
Cage
The Cage should be at least 18 by 18" / 20"tall, NEVER ROUND!
At least two sides of the cage should have horizontal bars (works as a ladder) You should have 3 food cups (1 for pellets, 1 for water, and 1 for seeds. A Cuttlebone at all times and a 3/4" to 1" perch. Keep the cage shoulder length or lower they should never be higher then you. The opposite of this would lead the bird to think that their the dominate one.��
Behavior/Physical Care
Your bird should be out of it's cage as much as possible because he thinks that he is a person, as much as a bird. To teach your bird to show respect you follow the steps below:
1. Keep Cage Shoulder Length or Lower
2. Your tiel should be told "Up" as they get on your finger. Even if he/she does it without you saying it, keep saying it, it shows respect.
3. If your bird nips, immediately put him them in the cage, this acts like Timeout, for a child. Keep the bird there for a few minutes then take him out again, If he nips again, repeat process. NEVER hit, fleck, spray with water, or hold beak shut. This teaches the bird to bite!
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