Ask Lafeber

Cockatiel singing

Hello. I have a 3-4 month old cockatiel who loves singing. He says peekaboo and a bunch of whistle sounds and makes kisses. But he won’t sing in front of anyone or outside his cage. I’ve hand raised him from day 1. Why could this be?

Hi,

This is very normal. They sing and talk in order to communicate with us and get our attention. Once you have the bird out, he no longer feels the need to call to you. You can encourage talking or singing by talking and singing to the bird, and offer praise and a treat when the bird does talk or sing. As for doing this for visitors, most pet birds get quiet around new people or visitors.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda