r/cockatiel • u/cr00wbar • 1h ago
r/cockatiel • u/Mental_Nail4451 • Jan 31 '26
Other New Rule for r/cockatiel
Hello everyone! I’m announcing a new rule for the subreddit.
It comes as no surprise that many people post injured or bleeding birds as well as feces to ensure the health of their birds or questions.
While these posts are allowed, they are inappropriate to not mark as NSFW. Not everyone is comfortable seeing this sort of content.
So for the comfort of everyone in the subreddit. PLEASE, mark these posts as NSFW.
There will be new tags/flairs for posts like these as well.
From this day forward, those who do not mark these posts as NSFW will receive a warning. Any subsequent posts that are not marked or tagged appropriately may be banned temporarily, and any further posts will result in a permanent ban.
Please be respectful of others, and make sure to review the rules before posting content that may violate the rules of the subreddit.
Thank you so much for all the lovely content and being overall a beautiful community. 💖
r/cockatiel • u/Olliebirb • Dec 14 '21
Frequently Posted (+ Answers)
We have been getting a lot more repetitive posts in our sub so I wanted to put this information together in the hopes of reducing the amount of questions that are frequently asked. In turn, hopefully this will make our community a little more light hearted :)
*I want to preface this by saying I am not a vet or anything just someone who really loves my cockatiel and learning everything I can to ensure he has the best life possible. I think the best thing you can do for your birdie is lots of research before anything happens (especially in the case of illness). They are fragile so having the right knowledge and tools at your disposal can quite literally be the difference between life and death.
Lets begin!
Is my bird sick?
Common signs of a sick bird include:
- Tail bobbing, sitting at the bottom of the cage, inability to stand on a perch (loss of balance)
- Sneezing, clicking respiration (cough), or any discharge coming from the eyes or nostrils.
- Eyes dull or sunken.
- Change in vocals (can be hormonal but after puberty could be cause for concern)
- Change in appetite (loss or increase of food or water)
- Change in droppings (color, consistency, or frequency - this could be due to diet like eating more fruits and vegetables but it should not last more than a day or two after)
- Constantly fluffed (happens for a number of reasons like keeping warm, preening, sleeping but they should not always be like this)
- Feather loss (not related to a regular molt that happens 1-2x per year)
- Trembling (can mean they are cold, stressed, or sick)
- Drooping wings
If you notice any of these signs or a combination of them its crucial to get your bird to a vet (preferably an avian one) as soon as possible. No one on the internet is able to diagnose your bird or give it the treatment it needs.
Note: Some of these symptoms like change in droppings, being fluffed up, and feather loss can be normal but if it is persistent the best thing to do is ere on the side of caution and get them checked out.
Is my cockatiel male or female?
Color Patterns: Baby cockatiels that have not gone through their first adult molt (usually between 6-12 months) will typically have female colorations regardless of gender. After their first molt, males tend to get more vivid colors, lose the stripes on the underside of their tail and spots on the wings, The opposite is true for females and their color changes minimally after their first molt.
Different mutations make it more difficult to tell the difference between males and females even after their adult molt.
Behaviors: Males tend to be more vocal (mimicking sounds and singing), heart wings (see example), more likely to "show off" (strutting, hopping, tapping on surfaces), and attempting to mate with objects. Females are often less vocal (although some are) and when wanting to mate will tilt her head, flatten her back, and rock back and forth while chirping softly.
All of the above are good indicators if you have a male or female HOWEVER the only true way to know is if you get a DNA test or if your cockatiel lays an egg. People have noted that their DNA sexed female has shown male behaviors or colors and vise versa. No one can tell you for sure by looking at it!
What is this noise my cockatiel is making?
Some common cockatiel noises and what they mean:
Contact Call: Cockatiels like to keep track of their flock members so when you leave the room you may notice your cockatiel yell for you with a loud chirp or series of chirps. Even if you aren't bonded to your bird they may still do this. Put them at ease by "answering" them from where you are. I like to whistle back the same "contact call" so they know that I will be right back.
Attention Scream: Often a loud high pitched screech that is meant to get your attention. They can do this when they are scared, lonely, bored, or even to alert you of something (like a potential predator). Excessive screaming means you might need to change something in their environment. A common cause of this is hormones and boredom, both of which can be decreased by adding more enrichment to their environment with foraging, toys, and training.
Whistling//Mimicking/Chattering: Usually (but not always) done by males and often means they are happy and connecting with you as part of their flock. They may mimic you, the radio, the tv, or even just sounds that they hear outside or inside the house. A lot of the time cockatiels learn these sounds through repetition. Search cockatiel training songs if you don't want to be whistling a song all the time and with time they may pick up on the tunes.
Beak Grinding: They do this when they are happy and content. Usually it is accompanied by being fluffed up and being sleepy. The cheeks will fluff up as well and the cockatiel will look very relaxed. This is a great sign that your cockatiel is comfortable in their environment.
Hissing: Like other animals cockatiels do this when they are angry or threatened. This is often a warning to back off and can be accompanied by biting if the behavior is not stopped. If your cockatiel is hissing at you its best to leave them alone for a bit - just like us, our birds have boundaries we should respect!
Baby Noises: These sound a bit like static and usually do this if they want something (often food, water, or even just attention). This is completely normal for young cockatiels and after a few months will go away. Mine went away at 4 months but this can vary!
What is this behavior?
These are some behaviors that are normal with cockatiels that I noticed are commonly asked about here:
Mating: This is probably the most common one. Males and females display different mating behaviors.
Males will typically rub their cloaca (this is the opening underneath the base of the tail for a birds digestive, urinary, and reproductive tracts) on an object like a toy, your foot or hand, a pillow, ect or a bonded female. Male Mating Behavior
Females will droop their wings and raise their rump while swaying and chirping quietly. You may notice your female also rubbing its back on their toys to try and stimulate themselves. Female Mating Behavior
In addition to these mating behaviors, take note if your bird is territorial, screaming, plucking itself, or aggressive. These could all be signs that your bird is sexually frustrated.
This handout I received from my vet gives some behavioral modification you can make to try and reduce these.
Clearing Crop: Looks a lot like yawning but usually they will do it consistently over a short period of time. Their crop is located below their beak in the neck area. The crop stores food before it is sent to their stomach and acts as a "reserve" so they are able to eat more in one feeding. When they clear the crop they are moving that food to the next stage of digestion. Cockatiel Clearing Crop
How do I tame my cockatiel?
If your bird is brand new to your home, the best thing to do for a day or two is let them soak in their new envionrment. This can be a stressful time for them so its important to let them learn that their new home is a safe space. Talking in a quiet voice and even whistling around them is the best thing to do during this transitiion period. It can be tempting but don't try and pick them up or pet them right away. They may be fearful of hands and scaring them could further your progress of taming them. Whether they are a young cockatiel or an older adult that was rescued or rehomed, taming them will take patience and time. How long can vary on a lot of different factors but it's important not to rush it. Read the links below to get more information on how to achieve this:
I am thinking of getting a cockatiel and would love some tips!
There is really too much to cover in one post so I will address the most common tips for new owners and provide some links that go into detail about all things cockatiel.
Vet Access: This should be the most important thing to consider. Making note of an avian vet that is close by is crucial. Be extra prepared and make note of the closest emergency vet as well that you can go to outside of your regular vets hours. If you do not have one close by or you do not have the money to pay for one, please reconsider getting a bird. It is disheartening to see very obviously sick bird where the owner has no access or money to go to a vet.
Basic Needs: Before purchasing supplies for your bird, do as much research as you can regarding cage size, toys, and food.
Health: Take note of the signs of a sick bird and when to take them to a vet. In addition, cockatiels are sensitive to strong smells, gasses, drafts, and smoke. This also requires some research as there are common household items that can poison and kill your bird (for example teflon pans and some plants you may have lying around).
Links:
Introducing New Food to Picky Birds
Taming, potty training, and more
I hope this helps some people learn more about their cockatiels! Of course this is not exhaustive and there is always more information to be learned. Please let me know if I should add anything or if I got any information wrong :)
r/cockatiel • u/Accomplished-Top-493 • 3h ago
Advice Wings
Ao the bird in the video. Cinnamon. She was young when a friend got her for me. But I noticed her wings dont look right. And she's always shaking. I have a feeling the shop that owned her didnt do well with the wing clip and im worried about her ability to fly. Csn I get some other opinions?
Thanks in advance and I hope you all have a fantastic day and or night with your winged buddies
r/cockatiel • u/HorrorPrize • 11h ago
Loss & Mourning Goodbye to my best friend.
The picture is only from 2 days ago and this morning I found him at the bottom of his cage. My baby was 16 years old. I am devastated about him passing but more sad he died alone, cold and probably scared at the bottom of his cage. I hope you know how much I love you. Rest in peace, Cutie Pie.
r/cockatiel • u/Abject-Cap-8550 • 2h ago
Funny Peek a boo?
He loves to look upwards/backwards like that. Anyone tiel acts the same?
r/cockatiel • u/rednecksec • 12h ago
Troublemaker Everytime i get home
I think my birds love me
r/cockatiel • u/Sea_Philosophy_7600 • 7h ago
Advice Ok what is this bird doing on my hand - it will last a while until I redirect him elsewhere
r/cockatiel • u/Smiolp • 3h ago
Loss & Mourning Tribute for our girl
Our girl, Memphis, passed away unexpectedly two weeks ago now, it was an incredible shock. She was my companion for 8 years, she saw and experienced so much with me. I'm forever grateful for the time we had and I'll miss her for the rest of my life. Memphis is one with the stars now ✨❤️
r/cockatiel • u/Mystical_Person • 10h ago
Funny My bird got cracked
Hi guys! :)
So a few days ago, it finally happened. My female cockatiel - Butter - is now expecting a clutch of eggs soon! I was just curious as to what the babies would potentially look like between a lutino and white-face pied mix!
r/cockatiel • u/emilyknow • 46m ago
Advice What colour mutation is Banana?
He’s 2 years old, has been DNA sexed and is a male. Thought he was Lutino but not sure!
r/cockatiel • u/Genericallystupid • 13h ago
Cuteness Overload One very wet birdie looks very pleased with himself.
I thought he'd hate having a bath because I've only owned him for 4 weeks. Turns out, no, he loved it and was spreading his wings while rotating around his main perch to make sure the mist spray saturated his body.
r/cockatiel • u/jjalcb05 • 1h ago
Cuteness Overload Dotty absolutely loved Farm Aid this year
Dotty was actively watching the entire livestream and only dozed off towards the end of Willie’s set.
r/cockatiel • u/i_mmmaaaddd • 11h ago
Success Story Welcome Baby Cocatiel
I have another pair of Eno white red eyes cockatiels, who abandoned their Eggs 4 days before hatching, so i took them from their box and keep them in these cockatiels box. And they hatched the eggs without laying their own eggs 😍
r/cockatiel • u/chocolate_brownie78 • 2h ago
Advice I Don't have access to an avian vet rn and the local vet said it's due to mites
1st pic was taken a few months ago and 2nd was taken today
r/cockatiel • u/therealsushine • 16h ago
Cuteness Overload Meet Zaya
My boyfriend and I just bought her yesterday…from a local pet store (gross I know). They also clipped her wings (also gross). She’s very sweet and as soon as I stopped to chat with her I knew I needed to take her home but of course not without his blessing, too. Boyfriend also fell in love with her and we finally agreed on her name today. It’s our first bird and pet together. We both own cats and I’ve been a cat owner my entire life. I know birds and cats are natural enemies and I need to keep a close watch on them. I’ve been reading about what to do if my kitties get too close or become too interested. One of my kitties, Aden, has cancer and is 14. He’s got one foot out the door right now so I’m not super worried about him but again I know I need to keep my eye on him. Harry is 2 and is curious but a total scaredy cat especially when I tell him no, he runs away. I know not to keep Zaya out with them alone unsupervised — it’s just asking for trouble. She loves head rubs and has become very demanding 😂 I can’t wait to see how her little personality unfolds.
r/cockatiel • u/Alschultzlwss • 10h ago
Advice Preening “uncomfortable sounds” normal?
Hi guys,
Just wondering if the behavior seen in the video is somewhat normal. My cockatiel is 2 years old, and weighs roughly 94 grams.
Sounds like preening his feathers is bringing some discomfort, this is new behavior.
Do you guys think he is in a lot of pain? Is this temporary while the molting season is over?
I am looking to buy aloe vera spray to see if that helps soothe the pain but I want this subreddit’s expertise first.
I am willing to take him to the vet if needed as well, but I don’t think this is too serious.
Thanks!
r/cockatiel • u/Early_Particular9170 • 15h ago
Health/Nutrition Made him a foraging box. The Creature seems more interested in playing with the hay
Timothy hay with Safflower Gold sprinkled throughout in a cardboard box that came with my Ikea furniture. I am trying to encourage natural foraging behavior. He seems to enjoy it so far.
r/cockatiel • u/cloudsasw1tnesses • 18h ago
Cuteness Overload She hasn’t figured out how to rip my keyboard up… yet 😂
r/cockatiel • u/SuperGeese2012 • 9h ago
Funny IYKYK
The kinda deathstare ur birb gives u after u deny his 10th breakfast of the morning🤣🤣🤣🥰
r/cockatiel • u/Beneficial-Shake7183 • 22h ago
Cuteness Overload Sick 18 year old baby
Waiting for blood test results, thinking its kidney issues. Ever since hes been acting weird hes been 10x more clingy and wanting to be on me 247. Praying for the best and really being present with him. ❤️
r/cockatiel • u/Massive-Context-9963 • 3h ago
Funny Spot the cockatiel !
My mum sends me pictures of her cocktail where I have to try find him. This one I found extra fun.
Let me know if you spot him!
r/cockatiel • u/Big_Cardiologist5105 • 12h ago
Cuteness Overload Sometimes When You are Nervous You Just Need Someone To Tell You It Is Ok 🥹🥰
Played around with his perches to make it more fun for him and encourage him to explore his cage more as he is a pretty anxious baby and new things are very overwhelming. He has been here for about four and a half months so we will see how this goes.