Description

The Lutino Cockatiel is one of the most recognizable and popular colour mutations, characterized by its striking bright yellow or white body, bright orange cheek patches, and the absence of black or grey pigment. This mutation is often associated with a crest that can be somewhat sparse, and they have characteristic red eyes. The Lutino’s personality is consistent with its cousins: gentle, curious, and exceptionally affectionate. They quickly become bonded with their owners, often acting as small, loyal companions who enjoy riding on a shoulder or engaging in whistling duets. They are an ideal “hands-on” pet for an owner who desires a visually stunning and highly cuddly bird.

Tamability and Maintenance: Lutino Cockatiels are highly tamable and demand daily human interaction to prevent loneliness. They are a moderate maintenance pet. A single bird requires 1-2 hours of out-of-cage time and a stable, secure cage that allows them space to fly. Lutinos are generally hardy but are slightly more prone to a condition called a “night fright” due to their red-eyed genetics making them more sensitive to low light. Their environment must be kept clean and stable. Their average lifespan is 15–20 years.

Diet: Their diet should be primarily composed of a balanced Cockatiel pellet formula. This must be supplemented daily with a wide variety of fresh vegetables (peppers, corn, broccoli) and a small amount of fruit. They have a tendency towards fatty tumours on a poor diet, so seeds should be strictly limited to small, measured amounts for training or enrichment purposes. Access to a cuttlebone is important for calcium.