Why is My Cockatiel Screaming?
Cockatiels are used to living in flocks, and when they’re alone all day they can become frustrated. The best way to combat this is to ignore their calls and only go to their cage once they’ve quieted down. Also, make sure they’re receiving enough mental stimulation by playing with them or talking to them daily.
Stress
Cockatiels are very social creatures and will often squeal or cry when they feel agitated. They may be screaming because they want attention from their owners. However, they should be careful not to reward this behavior by interacting with them when they scream or giving them treats when they are vocal. This can cause bad habits like fear biting and feather plucking to worsen.
In the wild, cockatiels live in flocks of up to 20 birds. If they are alone in a loud home, they may start to scream as a way to call out to their flock. Lowering the noise level and rearranging their housing environment can help minimize this type of behavior.
In addition, it is important to make sure that the cockatiel is getting enough exercise and nutrition. If they are not getting enough exercise or food, they will become agitated and might start to scream as a way of trying to get their owner’s attention.
Fear
Cockatiels that are isolated often scream when they are trying to find the members of their flock. They might also scream when they are bored and need attention. This can be solved by giving them toys to play with, letting them out of their cage, or simply speaking to them in a soft voice while they are screaming.
A cockatiel may also be screaming because it is scared. If this is the case, it is important to take it to a veterinarian to determine what is causing its fear.
Often, owners will respond to their cockatiel’s screams by rushing over to the cage and praising them when they are quiet. This only rewards the cockatiel for its crying behavior and can actually lead to bad habits such as feather plucking or fear biting.
Injury
If your cockatiel is screaming excessively, it could be because of an injury. Cockatiels are fragile birds that can injure themselves simply by getting their nails stuck in toys, falling from a perch, or flying into the window. They can also get injured by prey or predators, so it is important to make sure their cage is safe from these dangers.
In addition to a secure environment, cockatiels need enough food to live healthy lives. If they aren’t getting the nutrition they need, they will start screaming to let you know. Make sure their diet consists mostly of pellets and occasional fruits and vegetables to give them the nutrients they need. They should also be offered fresh water daily.
Hormones
In the wild, cockatiels scream to call out to other members of their flock. This is a way for them to check in on loved ones and to stay alert to potential dangers. This is why it’s important for you to keep your cockatiel in a cage with other birds and to spend lots of time playing and talking to them daily.
If you notice your cockatiel screaming frequently when you’re around, it may be a sign that it needs more attention from you. Try making sure it gets plenty of interaction each day, including playtime and feeding, and consider introducing foraging toys to its environment to help it stay busy.
It’s also possible your cockatiel is screaming because of night frights or some other issue that you need to address right away. Start keeping a journal and take note of the circumstances around your bird’s screaming to see what triggers it.
Injuries
Cockatiels are flock animals and they communicate with other members of their group. When cockatiels are in an environment where they are not heard, they may feel threatened or alone. This is another reason for them to scream.
The cockatiel’s screech is also used as an alarm and warning system. It is a natural part of their behavior and they use it to tell you when something is wrong, such as a predator or a loud noise.
While it is natural for cockatiels to scream, if your bird’s screams become frequent and out of character, it is time to take them to the vet. In most cases, screaming will be caused by stress or fear. You can help reduce the amount of screams by creating and sticking to a routine, playing soft or soothing music, minimizing the intensity of sounds in your home and by spending more time with your bird.