Ask Lafeber

Thank you for reaching out.

A deep, gravelly squawk in a young cockatiel can often be a normal vocalization, especially in a bird that is around 10 weeks old and still developing her voice. Many young cockatiels experiment with different sounds as they grow and become more comfortable in their environment.

This type of sound may indicate:

• A contact call to communicate with you or get your attention.
• Excitement, curiosity, or a desire for interaction.
• Normal juvenile vocal practice as she learns and develops her vocalizations.
• Mild uncertainty or a reaction to something new in her surroundings.

If she is otherwise eating well, active, alert, and breathing normally, the behavior is generally not a cause for concern.

However, we recommend monitoring her for any signs of illness, such as:

• Hoarse or consistently raspy vocalizations.
• Wheezing, clicking, or labored breathing.
• Tail bobbing while breathing.
• Loss of appetite.
• Excessive sleeping or puffing up for long periods.
• Nasal discharge or frequent sneezing.

If any of these symptoms are present, it would be best to consult an avian veterinarian for further evaluation.

Based on your description, it sounds like she may simply be finding her voice and communicating in her own way as she settles into her new home.