Ask Lafeber

Cockatiel behavior

Two days ago my cockatiel perched on me and cuddled my ear. Last two days he ignores me. Why,?

Hi Kenneth,

Birds are not always in the mood to be handled. I do caution against letting your bird cuddle. This can be a hormone trigger and can lead to behavior issues like aggression. It’s best to hold your bird on your hand or let him sit on a play stand. Limit any petting to the head and neck. Birds do molt and this can make them cranky when they are growing new feathers.

Thank you for Asking Lafeber,

Brenda