Training your cockatiel requires patience, consistency, and the right rewards. The best training treats for cockatiels are not only delicious but also small, nutritious, and easy to handle. Choosing high-quality treats can encourage positive behavior, strengthen your bond with your bird, and make training sessions more engaging.
From natural millet sprays to fruity delights like papaya and mango bits, there are plenty of options to keep your cockatiel motivated. In this guide, we’ll explore the top training treats, their benefits, and key factors to consider when selecting the best rewards for your feathered friend.
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Best Overall  | Higgins Sunburst Fruits & Veggies Gourmet Treats for Small Birds (2 Pack) |
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Best Price  | Living World - Millet Spray for Birds, 3.5 Oz – Premium Treat for Pet Birds |
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Premium Option  | Jmxu's 1LB Spray Millet Treat for Birds, Natural Sun-Dried Birds Millet |
| Check Price on Amazon |
 | Kaytee Fiesta Healthy Toppings Papaya Bits For All Pet Birds |
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| Check Price on Amazon |
Our Best Training Treats for Cockatiels
- Kaytee Fiesta Healthy Toppings Papaya Bits For All Pet Birds
- Vitakraft Fresh Super Fruit Cocktail
- Jmxu’s 1LB Spray Millet Treat for Birds, Natural Sun-Dried Birds Millet – Premium Option
- Living World – Millet Spray for Birds, 3.5 Oz – Premium Treat for Pet Birds – Best Price
- Higgins Sunburst Fruits & Veggies Gourmet Treats for Small Birds (2 Pack) – Best Overall
5 Best Training Treats for Cockatiels Reviewed
Kaytee Fiesta Healthy Toppings Papaya Bits For All Pet Birds
- Tasty, Nutritious Treat
- Ideal For Bonding And Playtime
- Increases Variety In Your Bird’S Diet For Appetite Stimulation And To Combat Boredom.
- Hand-Feed Your Bird With These Delicious Treats
Kayteee Fiesta Healthy Toppings Papaya Bits are an excellent option for cockatiels. These bits provide a burst of sweetness, making them irresistible during training sessions. Their small size ensures they’re easy to handle and perfect for positive reinforcement without overfeeding.
Made with real fruit, they offer natural nutrients while keeping your bird’s health in mind. The soft texture of the papaya bites is ideal for cockatiels and other small birds, ensuring easy chewing. Use them sparingly as a treat to complement a balanced diet.
Versatility is a key feature; these papaya bits work great for other pet birds too, including parakeets and conures. The resealable packaging keeps the treats fresh, so you’ll always have them ready when needed.
- Item Dimensions LxWxH: 5.94 x 4.76 x 1.14 inches
- Item Weight: 0.16 Pounds
- Breed Recommendation: All Breed Sizes
- Size: 2.5 Ounce (Pack of 1)
- Care Instructions: Always provide clean, fresh water.
- Bird Enjoyment
- Freshness
- Value for Money
- Price Fluctuations
- Size of Pieces
Vitakraft Fresh Super Fruit Cocktail
- PREMIUM FRUITS: Spoil your pet bird with a delicious blend of papaya, pineapple, banana, coconut, and raisins
- VARIETY: Indulgent tropical fruits are mixed whole peanuts, peas, carrots, and chili peppers for tasty snacking that’s never boring
- ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS: This fruit cocktail gives your pet bird the vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy and happy
- ALL-NATURAL: Fruits, vegetables—and that’s it
- ALWAYS FRESH: Easy resealable bag keeps this snack blend fresh
Packed with a mix of vibrant tropical fruits, Vitakraft‘s Fresh Super Fruit Cocktail offers a delicious and nutritious treat for cockatiels. Chunks of papaya, pineapple, and mango provide natural sweetness and essential vitamins, making it a great reward during training sessions. Each bite-sized piece is perfect for small beaks and encourages healthy eating habits in birds.
Loaded with antioxidants, the tropical fruit blend helps boost your cockatiel’s immune system. It’s free from artificial colors or flavors, ensuring a natural and wholesome experience. Birds love the chewy texture that not only satisfies cravings but also keeps them mentally stimulated.
Designed for variety, this treat can be mixed with your cockatiel’s daily diet or offered separately to prevent boredom. For added convenience, the resealable packaging keeps the fruit fresh for extended use.
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 9.37 x 4.45 x 3.31 inches
- Item Weight: 1.25 Pounds
- Age Range Description: Adult
- Specific Uses for Product: Active
- Size: 1.25 Pound (Pack of 1)
- Bird Enjoyment
- Quality Ingredient
- Value for Money
- Selective Eating
- Sugar Content
- Packaging Issues
Jmxu’s 1LB Spray Millet Treat for Birds, Natural Sun-Dried Birds Millet -Premium Option
- LARGE AND FULL: 1 LB spray millet, length is about 12.6 inch. Bird millet is free from pesticides and preservatives, suitable for pets birds and wild birds, ensuring that not only will you get a good value for your birds, you won't run out quickly
- HELP DIGESTION: Millet for birds is one of the better carbohydrates that birds enjoy. Millet is highly digestible and essential for a balanced diet.
- NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENT: Millet spray is also an excellent source of protein, with one of the highest amino acid profiles of all the cereal grains.
- INTERESTING INTERACTING: Birds treats is perfect for training and interacting with your birds outside of their cage, as it's easily broken into smaller pieces to entice and reward them
- WARM TIPS: Birds go crazy for this millet treats, so make sure to give it to them in moderation, so they will also still be eating their main diet.
Offers a healthy, natural option for training cockatiels. Jmxu‘s 1LB Spray Millet Treat is freshly harvested, packed with essential nutrients, and incredibly appealing to cockatiels. This treat is perfect for keeping your bird happy and engaged while aiding in positive reinforcement during training. The millet sprays are an excellent size for small birds, allowing them to nibble comfortably, promoting natural foraging behaviors.
Provides all-natural goodness that’s ideal for cockatiels and other small birds like parakeets and finches. Your bird will enjoy the straight-from-nature taste while receiving the nutrients they need. This treat isn’t just a snack—it’s an activity that keeps them entertained, perfect for bonding sessions or training routines.
Perfect as a healthy reward, this millet treat suits birds of all life stages. Its natural flavor and texture are irresistible to cockatiels, making it a reliable choice for quality and enjoyment. Following the packaging instructions ensures optimal usage for your feathered friend.
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 16.3 x 4.92 x 2.99 inches
- Item Weight: 1 pound
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Breed Recommendation: All Breed Sizes
- Size: 1 Pound (Pack of 1)
- Specific Uses for Product: Grind their teeth, Nutritional supplementation
- High Quality
- Freshness
- Value for Money
- Limited Availability
- Price Point
Living World – Millet Spray for Birds, 3.5 Oz – Premium Treat for Pet Birds – Best Price
- Tasty and Nutritious Treat: Keep your birdie entertained with Living World Birds Spray Millet, a snack packed with natural goodness that’s both fun and nutritious!
- Wild-Harvested for Authentic Flavor: Sourced straight from nature, this spray millet is wild-harvested to ensure your birdie gets a true taste of the outdoors
- Sun-Ripened for Peak Freshness: Living World’s spray millet is carefully sun-ripened, locking in all-natural flavors and essential nutrients.
- Additive-Free for Pure Goodness: No need to worry about artificial additives—this spray millet is free from chemicals, preservatives, or fillers, providing your birdie with a wholesome, pure treat.
- Fun and Engaging: More than just a snack, this spray millet keeps your bird mentally and physically active.
Packed with natural goodness, the Living World Millet Spray is an excellent choice for training cockatiels. The sprays are made from pure millet, ensuring your bird gets a nutrient-rich treat that’s both healthy and enticing. Ideal for positive reinforcement, their natural sweetness encourages cockatiels to engage during training sessions.
Promoting natural foraging behavior, these millet sprays help keep your bird mentally stimulated. Their slender design makes them easy to handle, whether placed in the cage or used directly during interactive play. Perfect for small beaks, the sprays cater to cockatiels and other birds like parakeets and finches.
Offering versatility, they can be served as a standalone snack or combined with your bird’s regular diet. Their all-natural composition ensures there are no artificial additives, making them safe for routine use.
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 11.19 x 6.54 x 1.97 inches
- tem Weight: 3.5 ounces
- Size: 3.5 Ounce (Pack of 1)
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Breed Recommendation: All Breed Sizes
- Specific Uses for Product: Indoor
- High Palatability
- Convenient Size
- Affordable Pricing
- Crumbly Texture
- Selective Preference
- Packaging Concerns
Higgins Sunburst Fruits & Veggies Gourmet Treats for Small Birds (2 Pack) – Best Overall
- 2 Pack Of Higgins Sunburst Fruits & Veggies Gourmet Treats
- A healthy and natural snack mix of fruits and vegetables.
- No artificial colors or flavors.
- For all small birds including canaries, finches, parakeets, and cockatiels.
Packed with variety, Higgins Sunburst Fruits & Veggies Gourmet Treats bring a mix of wholesome ingredients to your cockatiel’s training sessions. Containing dried fruits like papaya, pineapple, and mango alongside vegetables like carrots and peas, this treat offers balanced nutrition. Each piece is designed to be easy for small beaks to handle, making it perfect for quick rewards during training.
Loaded with natural vitamins, these treats boost your bird’s overall health while providing bursts of sweet and savory flavors. Free from artificial colors and preservatives, they deliver a clean, nutritious option focused on your cockatiel’s well-being. The mix encourages foraging instincts, offering mental stimulation and keeping your bird actively engaged.
Weighing just 4 ounces per package, they’re lightweight and easy to store. Their resealable bag ensures long-lasting freshness, so you can use them over multiple sessions. Versatile in use, they’re also suitable for other small birds like parakeets and lovebirds, making them a reliable choice for multi-bird households.
- Item Package Dimensions L x W x H: 7.09 x 4.61 x 1.77 inches
- Item Weight: 3 ounces
- Size: 3 Ounce (Pack of 2)
- Age Range Description: All Life Stages
- Breed Recommendation: All Breed Sizes
- Specific Uses for Product: Growth
- High Palatability
- Natural Ingredients
- Appropriate Size
- Selective Eating
- Freshness Concerns
- Price Point
Factors to Consider When Choosing Training Treats for Cockatiels
Nutritional Value
Choosing treats with high nutritional value ensures your cockatiel stays healthy. Look for options packed with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Ingredients like papaya, mango, spinach, or kale provide essential nutrients while promoting immune support. Treats like Vitakraft Fresh Super Fruit Cocktail combine natural sweetness and nutrition, making them perfect for training and enrichment. Sunflower seeds and pine nuts are also excellent sources of healthy fats and proteins, offering variety to your bird’s diet. Avoid treats high in artificial sugars or fillers, as they may impact your bird’s health over time. Opting for natural, wholesome options helps complement your cockatiel’s balanced diet effectively.
Treat Size and Texture
Selecting the right size and texture improves your cockatiel’s training experience. Small, bite-sized treats, such as Kaytee Fiesta Healthy Toppings Papaya Bits, are easy for birds to handle and ideal for quick rewards. Lightweight crunchy options like Kaytee Granola Bites or softer textures appeal to different birds’ preferences. A suitable texture prevents choking and supports easy chewing. Foraging-style shapes, such as Jmxu’s 1LB Spray Millet Treat or Living World Millet Spray, engage your cockatiel further while encouraging natural behaviors during reward-based activities. Whole nuts, such as pine nuts, can also serve as engaging, high-reward treats for well-trained birds.
Flavor Variety
Cockatiels are drawn to diverse flavors, so choosing treats with variety boosts engagement. Fruity options, including tropical blends or dried papaya, offer naturally sweet tastes birds love. Chewy or crunchy mixes with combinations like apricot, peach, or pineapple ensure your bird doesn’t get bored. Experimenting with flavors helps identify your cockatiel’s favorite treats, enhancing their enthusiasm for training. Rotating treats like Vitakraft Fresh Super Fruit Cocktail or Higgins Sunburst Fruits & Veggies Gourmet Treats keeps your bird mentally stimulated and excited during sessions. Adding sunflower seeds or whole nuts occasionally can provide an extra level of excitement.
Safety and Ingredients
Safety is critical when picking training treats. Always check for natural, non-toxic ingredients without artificial colors or flavors. Treats like Jmxu’s Spray Millet or Kaytee Fiesta Healthy Toppings Papaya Bits use simple, wholesome elements that are safe for cockatiels. Avoid products with preservatives, added sugar, or harmful chemicals to minimize health risks. Ensure the treats are free from seeds harmful to small birds, like apple seeds and pits. Sunflower seeds and pine nuts should be given in moderation due to their high-fat content. Prioritizing safety guarantees your cockatiel enjoys rewarding snacks confidently and harm-free.
Related FAQs
What Are Training Treats for Cockatiels?
Training treats for cockatiels are small, bite-sized snacks designed to reward and motivate good behavior during training sessions. These treats should be highly palatable, easy to handle, and nutritionally balanced to complement their regular diet. Common examples include millet sprays, fruit bits, or whole nuts, which cater to their natural preferences while supporting healthy eating habits. The best training treats provide a balance of taste and nutrients, encouraging positive reinforcement without causing overfeeding. When selecting treats, choose options specifically formulated for small birds like cockatiels to ensure they’re safe and beneficial.
How Often Should I Give My Cockatiel Treats?
You should give training treats sparingly to avoid disrupting your cockatiel’s balanced diet. Use them as rewards during short training sessions, limiting treats to less than 10% of their daily food intake. Frequent but small portions work best, as cockatiels respond well to consistency and immediate reinforcement. Too many treats can lead to obesity or a lack of interest in their staple diet. Incorporate treats around playtime or bonding exercises to maintain engagement without overindulging. Observing your cockatiel’s behavior and health can help you determine the ideal frequency.
What Ingredients Should I Avoid in Bird Treats?
Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, as these can harm your cockatiel over time. High-sugar ingredients, like added syrups or processed fruits, are also unsuitable, as they might lead to weight gain or health issues. Foods containing avocado, chocolate, caffeine, or onions should never be included, as these are toxic to birds. Stick to natural ingredients that are gentle on your cockatiel’s digestive system, focusing on items like whole grains, fresh fruits, or other treats free of harmful additives. Check labels carefully for hidden unsafe ingredients.
Can I Make Homemade Training Treats for Cockatiels?
Yes, making homemade treats is a great way to control the ingredients. Simple recipes using bird-safe foods like millet, oats, or diced fruits such as mango or papaya are ideal. Create small, easy-to-hold pieces to keep training effective and manageable. Avoid using salt, sugar, or oils during preparation, as these are not suitable for cockatiels. You can bake millet bites or prepare fruit mash to create engaging textures. Whole nuts can also be a great addition when chopped into manageable pieces. Always ensure the foods are fresh and toxin-free. Homemade treats are an excellent bonding activity and can save costs while supporting your bird’s well-being.
Final Recommendations for Training Treats for Cockatiels
When it comes to choosing the best training treat for your cockatiel, Higgins Sunburst Fruits & Veggies Gourmet Treats for Small Birds (2 Pack) stands out as the top choice. This blend offers a variety of delicious, nutrient-rich fruits and vegetables that keep your bird engaged while providing essential vitamins. Its diverse flavors make training sessions more exciting, ensuring your cockatiel remains motivated.
For those looking for additional high-quality treats, Kaytee Fiesta Healthy Toppings Papaya Bits and Vitakraft Fresh Super Fruit Cocktail offer excellent fruity options, while Jmxu’s Spray Millet Treat and Living World Millet Spray provide natural, foraging-style rewards. Whether you opt for dried fruits, millet sprays, or small nut-based treats, selecting a mix of safe, nutritious, and flavorful options will keep your cockatiel happy, healthy, and eager to train.
