How long can I leave a cockatiel alone a day without it becoming depressed or unhealthy?

Question

I'm away from home from 7-4 due to school, both my parents work, but my dad comes home a little bit every day, but not for long. What should I do?

Answer 1

cockatiel can be on there own for long periods of time. and 8 hrs is not long at all. they will be fine with some food and water. just to be on the safe side keep them locked up in the cage. provide a toy or two to prevent them from being bord.  

Answer 2

Kind of like closing the barn door after the horse has run off.

Didn't you know that you had to go to school before you bought this bird? Put some toys for him to play with. A toy with a piece of lava rock incorporated into it. That will help keep the beak and toenails wore down so you don't have to pay a vet to clip the birds for you.

Answer 3

He should be okay as long as you take a bit of time when you come home to at least talk to him and spend time with him.

Be sure he has plenty of toys to keep him occupied during the day. I even leave a tv or radio on for my bird all day long (he pretty much has his own room).

Answer 4

Just be sure the bird cage is in a window where the bird can see what is going on outside, and move it every day or two in a circle or in a random pattern.  You may also want to leave the TV or a radio on, or even a recorder or CD on a loop.  Cockatiels are very distractable, and that will keey our little guy interested, but he'll still need some human interaction when you come home.  Be sure your bird has a place that is warm but not hot, has fresh food and water, and a few bird toys, and the bird will be fine when there is no one home.  If the bird does get depressed, think about getting a companion bird or mate for it.