Do Cockatiels Like Mirrors

Do Cockatiels Like Mirrors -Are Mirrors Bad for Birds

Do Cockatiels Like Mirrors? Yes, cockatiels like mirrors. Like most birds, cockatiels love looking at their reflection in the mirror, and they always enjoy having shiny eye-catching objects in their cage.

Adding a bird mirror to a cockatiel cage along with bird toys can also help lower a cockatiel’s stress level, and a bird mirror can help keep a cockatiel entertained when they are alone in their cage.

In most cases, a bird mirror is one of the best toys for a cockatiel, but there are some drawbacks to adding a bird mirror to a cockatiel cage that you can learn more about if you scroll further down this page.

If you’re looking for the best mirror for a birdcage here are some of our favorite mirrors for a cockatiel cage.

 

Best Bird Cage Mirror

ImageNameRatingShop
Colorday Large Stainless Steel Bird Mirror with Rope Perch
Hypeety Bird Parrot Mirror Toy with Perch Cockatiel
WYunPets Interactive Bird Mirror Toy

 

 

Do Cockatiels Like Mirrors

Most cockatiels enjoy having a mirror in their cage since they see their own reflection as another bird that they can interact with whenever they are bored. Cockatiels are also naturally drawn to shiny reflective objects, which makes a bird mirror one of the most engaging and entertaining bird toys that you can add to a cockatiel cage.

 

Should I Leave a Mirror in My Cockatiel’s Cage?

If you have a bird mirror in your cockatiel’s cage and you see your cockatiel singing and having fun with the mirror then it’s fine to leave a mirror in your cockatiel’s cage. However, if they are showing signs of aggression, stress, or excessive fixation on the mirror then you might have to remove the mirror from your cockatiel’s cage.

 

Adding a Mirror to a Cockatiels Cage

If you’re thinking about adding a mirror to your cockatiel’s cage then you’ll want to see how they react to the mirror before you place it in their cage. If they display any signs of fear or aggression towards the mirror then it’s not a good idea to put a mirror in your cockatiel’s cage.

You could try to slowly acclimate your cockatiel to the mirror, but in most cases, it’s not worth stressing your cockatiel just to get them to accept a mirror in their cage.

 

 

Are Mirrors Bad for Birds?

In some cases, a bird mirror can cause behavioral problems with certain cockatiels. One big problem with mirrors is that some cockatiels can become very attached to their own reflection, which can make it hard for them to form a bond with you or other birds.

 

Aggression

Male cockatiels can also confuse their own reflection as a rival trying to move in on their territory. This can cause a male cockatiel to lash out every time they see themselves in the mirror in an attempt to scare their perceived rival away.

 

Mating

Mirrors can also make it hard to get a pair of cockatiels to mate. This problem can be easy to overlook especially if it’s the first time you’re trying to get your cockatiels to lay eggs.

In a worst-case scenario, the male cockatiel will be so preoccupied with the mirror and he’ll spend all his energy attempting to confront his “rival”. Or the female cockatiel might end up being so enamored with her own reflection she won’t give the male the time of day.

 

Should I Remove the Mirror from My Cockatiels Cage?

If your cockatiel is showing any signs of aggression towards a mirror then it’s a good idea to take the mirror out of their cage immediately. Once the mirror has been removed you’ll start to see your cockatiels disposition improve rapidly.

 

Reflection Attachment

It can be a hard choice deciding whether you need to remove a bird mirror from a cockatiel cage, especially if they have become attached to their own reflection. However, it might be your only option if they won’t let you handle them, or if they are aggressive and try to bite you when you put your hand in their cage.

Just keep in mind that it might take some time for a cockatiel to adjust after you remove the mirror from their cage. The best way to help them deal with losing the mirror is to give them some new and engaging bird toys to keep them occupied and entertained.

Also if you want to get your bird to bond with you after removing the mirror you can give them some tasty cockatiel treats, and try to interact with them on a regular basis.

 

Couple Not Mating

Sometimes a bird mirror can be a distraction if you’re trying to get a male and female cockatiel to mate. In that case, it’s a good idea to remove the mirror from your cockatiel’s cage until they successfully mate.

 

 

Bird Mirrors Benefits and Drawbacks

 

Bird Mirror Toy Benefits

  • Entertainment

  • Stress Relief

  • Prevents Loneliness

  • Social Interaction

Bird Mirror Drawbacks

  • Aggression Towards the Mirror

  • Screeching at The Mirror

  • Excessive Attachment with the Mirror

  • Mirrors Can Inhibit Mating

 

 

Best Bird Cage Mirror

 

 

Colorday Large Stainless Steel Bird Mirror with Rope Perch

The Colorday Large Stainless Steel Bird Mirror (Buy Online) is one of the best mirrors for a birdcage. This medium-sized bird mirror has a built-in colorful rope perch that’s the perfect size for a cockatiel’s feet. This bird mirror also has durable metal hooks that make it easy to attach anywhere in your cockatiel’s cage, and the stainless steel mirror won’t ever rust or break.

 

 

Hypeety Bird Parrot Mirror Toy with Perch for Parrot Parakeet Budgies Cockatiel

The Hypeety Bird Parrot Mirror Toy with Perch for Cockatiels (Buy Online) is a medium-sized bird mirror that measures 5.9” x 5.9”, and it has mounting bolts that will securely attach this bird mirror onto the bars in any type of cage. This heart-shaped bird mirror also comes with a removable textured perch that screws into place.

 

 

dcDalton Birdcage Mirror 5 Inch Glass with Beveled Edge Octagon Shape

The dcDalton Octagon Birdcage Mirror (Buy Online) is a stylish bird mirror that makes a great addition to any birdcage. This mirror is 5-inches tall, which makes it the perfect size for a cockatiel. It also has a beveled glass edge that sets it apart from most bird mirrors, and best of all this high-quality bird mirror is made and assembled in the USA.

 

 

WYunPets Interactive Bird Mirror Toys Bird Mirror

The WYunPets Interactive Bird Mirror Toy (Buy Online) is a fun bird mirror toy that will keep your cockatiel entertained for days. This bird mirror toy is made of wood, and it comes with a set of plastic rings that will let your cockatiel play a wide assortment of games. The WYunPets Interactive Bird Mirror Toy is also relatively compact since it measures 3.94” x 3.54W x 4.72” H, so it will easily fit inside most birdcages.

 

 

Mark Young
Mark has worked with a wide range animals for over 10 years, and he regularly volunteers at his local animal shelter. Mark has decided to share his years of knowledge by writing helpful guides for both new and experienced pet owners