Q&A for How to Understand Cockatiel Gestures

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What are the signs of a sick cockatiel?

Hayley Heartfield
Bird Specialist
Hayley Heartfield is a Bird Specialist and the Owner of About Birds, a Pet Bird Shop in Montgomery County, Texas. Hayley specializes in pet bird care, behavior, training, and breeding. Hayley studied Animal Science at Texas A&M. About Birds carries many species of birds and offers grooming and boarding services as well as bird care products.

Hayley Heartfield

Bird Specialist

Expert Answer

Every bird is a little different, but generally if your bird is acting lethargic, with its head down and feathers fluffed up, that can be a sign of illness. You should take it to the vet for a check-up.

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Question

What does it mean when a cockatiel bobs his head up and down?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Head bobbing happens as a way of getting your attention. In a very young bird, this might be because he's hungry and wants to be fed. If he is an older bird, he may be showing off and the bird equivalent of saying, "Look at me, I'm beautiful."

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Question

My new cockatiel is pacing with a raised crest. Does this mean he wants out of the cage?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

If your bird is in new surroundings, the clue to his behavior is the raised crest. This is a bird on high alert that is unsure of his surroundings, which fits with him being in a new home.

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Question

Why does my female cockatiel bite her feathers and screech?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Birds deliberately damage their feathers for many different reasons, such as parasitic infections that cause irritation, hormonal imbalances, and behavioral issues. However, boredom is also a common reason, and this could also account for the screeching, as she attempts to liven things up and get attention. Make sure she has plenty of toys and has to work to get her food. Consider clicker training her to provide mental stimulation.

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Question

Why does my cockatiel tap his foot in the evening?

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Dr. Elliott, BVMS, MRCVS is a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience in veterinary surgery and companion animal practice. She graduated from the University of Glasgow in 1987 with a degree in veterinary medicine and surgery. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years.

Pippa Elliott, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Expert Answer

Raising and lowering a foot is a gesture that cockatiels sometimes make when they feel threatened. Male birds, in particular, may do this because they are feeling territorial.

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