Cockatiels are well-known as one of the most friendly and vocal parrots. They can be taught to whistle a range of tunes and will often respond when their name is called.
So it can come as quite a shock when your cockatiel starts screaming for seemingly no apparent reason.
However, there are several explanations for why your cockatiel might be screaming. In this post, we’ll take a look at some possible causes of screaming in cockatiels and how you can deal with them.
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Reasons why your cockatiel is screaming excessively
1. Out of fear and stress
Cockatiels are very prone to stress and anxiety, especially if they are kept in an environment that is not ideal. Such situations can cause them to scream out of fear or frustration.
If your cockatiel is screaming incessantly, something in its environment is likely causing it distress. This can include:
- The cage is not big enough.
- Too many male birds in a room together (cockatiels are very social!) leads to suffocation and irritation.
- Sudden changes to its daily routine like the appearance of a cat or dog that looks like a threat to the bird.
- Night fright is also common among cockatiels when there is a lack of light to calm them down.
Besides its fear factor, cockatiels are also prone to stress-induced illnesses such as hair loss and feather plucking.
Additionally, excessive screaming can be a sign of illness in cockatiels, so it is always best to take your bird to the vet if you notice this behavior.
2. Boredom
Cockatiels are very active birds and need a lot of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
A bored cockatiel will often start screaming as a way to relieve its boredom and get the attention of its owner. To prevent boredom-related screaming, try the providing your cockatiel with toys and activities that will keep it entertained, including:
- Air swings
- Mirrors
- Ladders
- Paper rolls and old books for it to peck
- Fun and challenging food puzzles
- A place to bathe
You can also play with your bird regularly to keep it active and engaged.
3. Inadequate social interaction
Unlike other species of birds, cockatiels are social and need regular interaction with their owners.
If your bird is kept alone in its cage for most of the day without adequate human attention, it may begin screaming to get your attention.
To prevent this behavior, make sure you spend plenty of time interacting with your bird daily. This can include talking to it, playing with it, and offering some good treats.
4. Hunger
A common reason for screaming in cockatiels is hunger. Cockatiels are active birds and need a lot of food to fuel their busy lifestyle. If your bird is not getting enough food, it may start screaming in an attempt to get your attention.
- Make sure you are feeding your cockatiel a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables and a high-quality bird seed mix.
- You should also offer your bird fresh water daily.
- If you cannot provide your bird with a properly balanced diet, consider investing in a high-quality cockatiel food supplement designed to meet all of its nutritional needs.
5. Lack of sleep
Cockatiels are very active during the day and need to sleep for about 12 hours each night. If your bird is not getting enough sleep, it may start screaming out of exhaustion.
To help your cockatiel get a good night’s sleep, make sure its cage is located in a quiet room away from any loud noises. You should also avoid handling your bird too much in the evening so it can wind down for sleep.
Furthermore, since cockatiels are prone to night frights, you can give your bird a dim light to sleep more easily and without fear.
6. Flock call
In the wild, cockatiels live in flocks of up to 20 birds. As a result, they have a strong instinct to stay close to their flockmates.
If your cockatiel is the only bird in the house, it may start screaming as a way to call out to its flock.
To prevent this behavior, consider getting another cockatiel or adding other birds to your household.
In addition to the cases mentioned above, there are many other possible reasons why a cockatiel may start screaming. Some include fear of being handled, hormonal issues in males, and nervousness during cage changes or vet visits.
If your bird is exhibiting this behavior, it is best to consult an avian veterinarian or behavior specialist for advice on how to help it.
Why does my cockatiel scream when I leave the room?
Cockatiels are social birds and require a great deal of interaction when you have them as pets. They tend to get very upset if they don’t receive enough time from their human companions and will often grow distressed if you leave the room without them.
Some cockatiels may merely make a fuss, while others will resort to loud piercing screams. This behavior can be quite draining and nerve-wracking for their human owners, but fortunately, it is typically fleeting.
You can do a few things to help prevent your cockatiel from becoming distressed when you leave the room.
- First, make sure that you spend ample time with your bird each day.
- Keep plenty of toys in the cage to keep your cockatiel occupied.
- Consider getting a second bird as a companion if you are frequently away from home.
- Additionally, try to make your comings and goings calm and quiet to not startle your bird.
Conclusion
There are a few different reasons that your cockatiel could be screaming. These include stress, boredom, and the need for more attention from you.
The best thing you can do is to try to identify the cause of your bird’s distress and address it as soon as possible. With a little time and effort, your cockatiel will hopefully start to feel more comfortable and will stop screaming.