Thanks for reaching out to Ask Lafeber. Cockatiels are not usually known to be screamers without a particular reason. The fact that he’s used to being on your shoulder so much and now he he’s not, may be part of the reason. When I read about a screaming bird, a few thoughts come to mind. I don’t think clipping his wings will solve the problem; it would most likely only frustrate him, and that could create additional behavioral problems. I also don’t think isolating him is the answer either. Birds are very social beings and actually depend on socialization to remain safe, so putting him in a room by himself only confuses him.
When I hear about a bird that screams like this, I always want to know where the cage is placed and has it been moved to a different part of the house recently? Cage placement is very critical for a bird’s mental and emotional state. If it’s near a doorway, a bird can never really settle down enough to remain calm if people are coming through it frequently throughout the day. He’s always going to be on the lookout for predators. If it’s in front of a window, the same concept can apply. If he sees something outside that he views as a threat, it could be stressful for him if he cannot step out of view from it. That’s why I always like to suggest only half of the cage be placed in front of the window and the other half is against the wall. This way it gives him the option to step away if he chooses.
Another thing that comes to mind is that if he’s a Velcro bird how are you interacting with him? Are you petting and scratching him? If so, it’s so important that you limit the physical interaction like petting or scratching to only be above the shoulders. If a bird is stroked on his entire body, it can trigger hormonal behavior. Also is there anything in his cage like a sleeping sack or a box he can crawl in and out of to find darkness? Cockatiels are cavity nesters and will seek out dark and enclosed places to create a nest and raise babies. Since he’s now three years old, these things are also hormonal triggers. So, his constant screaming can be because he’s been triggered hormonally or if his cage being in a place that’s disturbing him and it’s stressing him out. Birds will scream when they are fearful. Have there been any new pets brought into the home or have there been any significant life changes in the home? A bird can also pick up their caretaker’s stress.
Keep in mind my suggestions are only speculation because I don’t have enough details to see the entire situation. I would like to invite you to write back with whatever details you can give me so hopefully I can provide you with additional support. I know how disrupting a screaming bird can be.
Kind regards,
Debbie
