A cockatiel can generally survive for about three days without food and water. However, if water is available, a cockatiel may last around five days before succumbing to starvation.
A cockatiel will typically starve to death after three days without food. These birds primarily consume seed-based diets such as millet, rice, and sunflower seeds. They can also be fed small amounts of boiled egg and certain vegetables. It's particularly important to provide soft foods for baby cockatiels, like a mixture of egg yolk, finely chopped greens, and fruits formed into small, moist balls, ensuring it’s not too wet. Fresh, clean water should also be available immediately after feeding. Regular and frequent feeding is crucial for young cockatiels.
While cockatiels can usually tolerate up to three days without food, they may last approximately five days if water is accessible. However, exceeding five days without food greatly risks their lives. It's strongly discouraged to intentionally deprive cockatiels of food for extended periods. If you are frequently away from home, consider investing in an automatic feeder to help your cockatiel maintain a consistent diet. This can prevent digestive problems that can arise from inconsistent feeding schedules. If you travel often, ensure that a trusted friend or pet sitter can care for your cockatiel and its needs, preventing food from spoiling in automatic feeders which can lead to health issues.