Ask Lafeber

Male Cockatiel Frustrated

Hi! I have an 11 year old male Cockatiel. I went away to college for a year and was unable to take him so my mom looked after him for me. Ever since I’ve been home he does not like me anymore (which I understand why) and refuses any human interaction. We have moved to a new house and the room that he is in casts shadows on the wall. He has become incredibly bonded with the shadows and is obsessed with them. At first i didn’t realize how a shadow would do that and didn’t see them as harmful. He’s been attempting to “mate” with the shadows. I also recently noticed he has been biting his wing, almost looks like he feels like something is poking him. I can barely even pick him up anymore to take a look at it for longer than two seconds. He has become very aggressive. From the research I’ve done it seems he’s sexually frustrated and I’ve increased his time in the cage at night (covered). And I want to take away access to the shadows but I’m afraid he’ll bite himself more and become more aggressive. I don’t know what to do.

Hi,

It sounds like the room is the biggest issue. Is this a room he is in by himself? He needs to be around people and in a place where he is comfortable. His behavior sounds a lot more like the shadows are stressing him out. Biting at himself is often from fear and frustration. He is a prey species, and something like a shadow can make him feel like a predator is approaching. Whether he is obsessed or scared, he is better off somewhere else in the home. Cockatiels can get obsessed and when they do, whatever is causing this should be removed. Find a spot with no shadows and he should get more comfortable and hopefully settle down with you again.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda