Bronze Fallow Cockatiel (A Unique Mutation)

Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Ali Shahid

The Bronze Fallow Cockatiel stands as a distinctive variation of the standard Cockatiel, characterized by an autosomal recessive mutation. One of the noticeable traits associated with this variation is its striking red eyes and unique diluted plumage.

The Bronze Fallow gene essentially transforms the usual gray pigmentation into a rich brown shade, establishing it as a bona fide fallow mutation. When these birds hatch, they typically sport pink eyes, which may either deepen in color as they mature or retain a lighter pink hue.

Notably, in contrast to other cockatiel color mutations, the female Bronze Fallow Cockatiels tend to exhibit more captivating appearances. Males of this breed are often observed as more active and lively, frequently darting around their enclosures.

However, they still display the typical characteristics characteristic of the cockatiel species. These charming avian companions make excellent pets for several reasons. They have an impressive lifespan, often reaching up to 20 years.

Moreover, this particular breed is renowned for its cuddly and even comical demeanor, adding to its appeal as a pet. In terms of sociability, Bronze Fallow Cockatiels are considered one of the more outgoing bird breeds.

 If you are in search of a friendly and even-tempered feathered friend, the Bronze Fallow Cockatiel presents an excellent choice.

Origin and History

Cockatiels are special birds, and they are among the smallest of the Cockatoo family. It’s from Australia and likes to move around a lot, especially near water in dry areas. The name Nymphicus comes from Australia’s old name, New Holland.

A long time ago, a writer named Robert Kerr called it Psittacus hollandicus in 1793, but later, in 1832, another person named Wagler put it in its group, Nymphicus. They picked this name because early European travelers thought these birds were so pretty that they named them after mythical nymphs.

Bronze Fallow Cockatiels are birds that have a distinctive color and have been around since the 1970s in the USA. The person responsible for intentionally making this color is Mrs. Irma Vowels. At first, they called it the Fallow.

Understanding the Genetics of the Bronze Fallow Mutation

Bronze Fallow is a special change in cockatiels that happens because of a certain gene, and it doesn’t follow the typical rules of inheritance. This mutation shows up as red eyes and a lightening of the bird’s feathers.

What is interesting is that it doesn’t matter if the cockatiel is a boy or a girl. They can both inherit this change. When a baby Bronze Fallow Cockatiel is born, its eyes are a pale pink, and as it grows up, they get a little darker.

These eyes are lighter than the red eyes you’d see in a Lutino Cockatiel, where the red color is deeper. Sometimes, you might notice a yellowish tint on the body of a Bronze Fallow Cockatiel.

Now, here Is something unique: male and female Bronze Fallow Cockatiels don’t look the same. Females tend to have softer colors, while males might start with lighter shades when they’re young and then get darker as they grow up.

Size and Coloring of the Bronze Fallow Cockatiels

Bronze Fallow Cockatiels are small and compact birds. Their height ranges between 12-14 inches and their weight ranges between 2-4 ounces. Their plumage can range from Lutino to a gentle caramel hue with a yellow mask, a chest bearing a hint of yellow, and cheeks that also sport a yellowish tint.

The moniker “Bronze Fallow” stems from the bird’s dark bronze feathers. When newly hatched, these cockatiels typically sport pink eyes, which may either deepen in color as the bird matures or retain a lighter pink shade.

The coloration of cockatiels arises from two pigments: melanin, responsible for the gray tones in feathers, eyes, beak, and feet, and psittacofulvins, which give rise to the yellow hue on the face and tail, as well as the orange shade on the cheek patch.

The personality of Bronze Fallow Cockatiel

Bronze Fallow Cockatiels make great pets because they are friendly, playful, and loving. They are also smart and can learn some basic tricks if you teach them patiently.

They enjoy being around people and have a calm and friendly personality. In general, Cockatiels are a popular choice for pet birds because they are easy to take care of and are very friendly.

Here are some simple tricks that Bronze Fallow Cockatiels can learn:

• They can ring a bell.
• They can climb a ladder.
• They can hop onto your finger when it’s time to come out and stretch their wings.
• They can copy sounds and words.
• They can spin around.
• They can flap their wings when you ask them to.
• They can pretend to play dead.

Remember, teaching a bird tricks takes time and patience. Start with easy tricks and work your way up to harder ones.

Speech & Sound

Cockatiels, a type of parrot, are good at making different sounds. They can squeak, squawk, whistle, warble, and chirp. When they’re scared or angry, they may hiss. They can’t copy human voices, but they can copy other sounds like phones or alarms.

How to Care for a Bronze Fallow Cockatiel?

Caring for a bronze fallow cockatiel is all about providing a spacious cage with multiple toys and perches along with outside playtime. In addition, you need to provide proper grooming and bathing to your cockatiels.

1. Cage Requirements:

• The cage should be a minimum of 20 inches wide, 20 inches deep, and 24 inches tall.
• The bars on the cage should be close together, about 5/8 inch apart, to keep the bird safe.
• Choose a strong cage made of materials like stainless steel or tough coated metal to withstand the bird’s beak and claws.
•  Make sure the cage has a tray that can be taken out for easy cleaning.
• Ensure the cage has a secure latch on the door to prevent the bird from escaping.

 2. Accessories:

• Perches: Put in at least two perches of different sizes and textures to keep the bird’s feet healthy and for exercise. Wooden perches are a good choice as they’re comfy and can be chewed on for fun.
• Toys: Give the bird various toys to keep it entertained and mentally active. Toys like swings, bells, mirrors, and puzzles are great. Look for toys made of safe, natural materials like wood and rope.
• Food and water dishes: Have at least two dishes for food and water. Stainless steel dishes are best because they are sturdy and easy to clean.
•  Cuttlebone and mineral block: Offer a cuttlebone and mineral block to provide the bird with extra calcium and important minerals.
• Cage cover: Use a cover on the cage to make the bird feel safe and to control light exposure.

 3. Grooming:

• Trim the bird’s nails regularly.
• Consult a bird vet before attempting to trim the bird’s feathers.
• Clean the cage once a week, and replace the food and water dishes daily with clean ones to keep things hygienic.

4. Bathing:

• Spray the bird with warm water using a clean spray bottle a few times a week.
•  Stick to a cage cleaning schedule and clean up any mess in the cage daily, removing waste and leftover food.
• Many cockatiels enjoy being sprayed with water from a handheld sprayer or mister from above their cage.
• Following advice from bird experts, grooming for cockatiels includes nail and feather care.

Diet and Feeding Guide

Bronze Fallow Cockatiels need a well-rounded diet to stay healthy. This means they should eat a mix of seeds, pellets, fruits, and veggies. Here is what their ideal diet should look like:

• Pellets (70%): These specially designed bird pellets are the mainstay of their diet. You can find various brands, shapes, and colors of pellets in stores.
• Seeds (10%): While seeds can be included, don’t give them too much as they are high in fat.
• Fresh Vegetables (10%): Dark green, leafy vegetables are excellent. Orange and yellow veggies like sweet potatoes are also rich in Vitamin A. Some options include leaf lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and watercress.
• Fresh Fruit (10%): Include fresh fruits in their diet.
• Protein: Occasionally, you can offer a small amount of lean cooked meat, fish, cooked egg, or a tiny bit of cheese.
• Cuttlebone: Give them cuttlebone as a source of calcium.
• Water: Make sure there’s fresh water available every day.

Keep an eye on how much your bird eats daily, and provide fresh water daily too. Here is a simple feeding schedule for your Bronze Fallow Cockatiel:

• Morning: A small serving of pellets, along with half a tablespoon of fresh fruits and veggies.
• Afternoon: Half a tablespoon of seeds and fresh water.
• Evening: Another small helping of pellets, and half a tablespoon of fresh fruits and veggies.

Remember, your bird can enjoy healthy human food in small amounts. Just ensure it’s nutritious.

Health Issues of Bronze Fallow Cockatiel

Bronze Fallow Cockatiels are usually healthy birds and can live up to 25 years when kept as pets. But sometimes, they can get sick. Here are some common health problems that Bronze Fallow Cockatiels might have:

• Yeast Infection: This is a fungal infection that can affect the stomach.
• Fatty Liver Disease: This happens when the liver collects too much fat and can make them very sick.
• Trouble Having Babies: Cockatiels, including the Bronze Fallow ones, can sometimes have problems when they try to have babies, like getting eggs stuck or having tumors.
• Breathing Problems: There can be issues with their breathing because of a type of bacteria called Chlamydophila psittaci.
• Swollen Liver: Cockatiels can get a big liver for different reasons, like infections or too much fat in the liver.

To keep Bronze Fallow Cockatiels healthy, it is important to give them a balanced diet with seeds, fruits, veggies, and clean water. Also, it is a good idea to take them to the vet regularly to catch any health problems early.

Bronze Fallow Cockatiel for Sale and Price

In the US, bronze fallow cockatiels are available for sale from Legitbirdbreeders for $300. Bronze-fallows can also be purchased from cuteparrotfarm for a price between $700 and $1400. For more information, please visit the following websites.

Reference:

Van den Abeele, Dirk. “Fallow mysteries.”