Ask Lafeber

Cockatiel Language

Hi there, my mom wants to get rid of her cockatiel because of her constant screeching. She has a very large cage and gets let loose in a bedroom of her own often. She never got into any toys so we stop giving them so she might be bored? My mom move the cage into the living room so that Bird can have company mostly over weekends when she’s home from work and when I visit I always take her out and play with her. Besides all that she absolutely NEVER stops screeching. Is it just her voice?Whether in her room shut away or amongst the family, it get so that no one can speak to each other because she will make sure she shouts louder than everyone. No person can deal with that non stop. We don’t know what to do anymore and now I’m trying to prevent her from being deported. Will getting a friend help? We don’t mind her going back to wild, as long as she quiten down. Other than that, is there any advise you can give us. Thanking you in advance. PS: Just to give more info, she’s been on an egg laying cycle since July, +/-8 eggs to date. Doesn’t chang anything about her vocalising but just in case it means something.

Hi Rene,

It sounds like she was used to more freedom and possibly more handling. Birds are social and need some type of interaction. She wants to be part of the family and is feeling ignored. Occasional handling isn’t enough for her. She is also hormonal which is why she is laying eggs. When you handle her, do you pet her? Head scratches are OK, but petting on her body can trigger her hormones. It has been hot everywhere this year which makes things worse. With the weather cooling down in some areas, this can help hormonal behavior. But really if your mom isn’t interested or doesn’t have time to handle her, and she is only handled when you come over, a new home might be best. Getting a mate may just mean twice the noise and if she is that bonded with humans, she might not take to a mate right away. I seriously doubt she would get along with another female bird. Also, getting a mate adds the problem of breeding whether they have a nest or not. She already lays eggs.

Unless she can be handled daily, I don’t think the noise will get better. You can try some toys and a mirror, but from your description, she craves the human interaction. If your family can’t provide this, finding her a good home is not a bad idea. Birds live for a very long time and many get re-homed more than once in their lifetimes because human situations change. I think the family should discuss this and determine what is best for her. She wants to be out with people and observing from her cage is not making her happy.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda