Mine don't get free roam, and their wings are clipped, but they do get out for many hours, each day, to climb, bathe and play. Plus we try to spend as much time as possible interacting with them as well.

If you're raising them properly, you will be not only feeding them dry pellets and seed and providing fresh water (we have to clean the water dish at least twice a day), you will supplement them with fruits and vegetables, sometimes pasta, etc. Read a good Cockatiel book or do some research online about them. There is loads of information available.

I've learned a lot in the two and a half years we have had ours. They are messy (seed hulls everywhere and poop everywhere), but they are fairly easy to clean up after, and I line and cover everything possible with newspaper that can easily be discarded. There is a product called Poop-Off that I buy at Petsmart and it is life saver when cleaning up after them. And the more you interact with them, the happier they are. I have no noise problems with them at night. They like to sleep around 12 hours straight, so noise has not been a problem. I don't cover my cages, but that is certainly something you can do (when I have covered, I've used a lightweight sheet) especially if they are in a room where people are still up and lights are on. Mine have their "own" room to protect them from the cats and dogs we have for their own safety.

Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, don't hesitate to ask. I'm no expert, but I do have a little experience at least. There are many others who have experience as well.

Logan