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Appearance
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Size: 30–33 cm (12–13 in) including tail.
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Weight: 80–120 g.
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Wild Type Coloration:
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Grey body.
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Yellow face (in males) with bright orange cheek patches.
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Long pointed tail (makes up nearly half their body length).
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Upright head crest (expresses mood).
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Mutations: Many, including Lutino, Pied, Pearl, Cinnamon, Albino, and Whiteface.
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Sexual Dimorphism:
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Males: Brighter yellow faces and vivid orange cheek patches.
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Females: Duller faces, with barring under tail and wings.
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🥚 Breeding & Lifespan
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Clutch Size: 4–6 eggs.
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Incubation: 18–21 days (both parents incubate).
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Fledging: ~4–5 weeks.
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Breeding Season: Triggered by rainfall in the wild (when food is abundant).
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Lifespan: 15–20 years average; some reach 25+ with excellent care.
🌿 Behavior & Temperament
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Gentle, affectionate, and social.
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Crest feathers indicate mood:
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Upright = alert/excited.
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Flattened = angry or scared.
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Relaxed = calm.
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Known for whistling—males are especially good at learning tunes.
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Can mimic a few words but not strong talkers compared to Amazons or Greys.
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Enjoy company and bond closely with their owners.
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Generally quieter than larger parrots, though can chirp and whistle loudly at times.
🏡 Care & Environment (Captivity)
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Housing: Minimum cage size 24" x 18" x 24"; horizontal bars preferred for climbing.
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Diet:
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High-quality pellets (main diet).
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Seeds (as a treat, not staple).
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Vegetables: leafy greens, carrots, broccoli, peas.
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Fruits: apple, berries, mango (in moderation).
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Millet sprays—favorite treat, but occasional only.
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Enrichment: Swings, ladders, mirrors, safe branches, and chew toys.
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Social Needs: Thrive on daily interaction; require out-of-cage time and stimulation.
Inquiry - Cockatiel
