cockatiel squawking

Question

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Followup To

Question -
Are there some general guidelines on limiting frequent unwarranted sustained loud squawking ? (Note: 3-yr.-old male, bird usually has to be in cage, take out about once/wk, clip wings, good care, attention whenever possible, etc.) Have tried lots of things to no effect. Haven't tried a mirror in the cage yet.

Thanks.

Answer -
Cockatiels are natural squawkers, especially the males.   The males are much more vocal than the females, especially when they are ready to mate.
It sounds like your cockatiel is trying to get your attention.  He definately needs to get out of his cage more than once a week.  they need to be out of their cage for at least an hour a day to get their exercise.
Do not put a mirror in the cage with him, as this will only frustrate him.  He will try to talk to the "other bird" and when he gets no response from that "other bird" he will get frustrated and he will turn mean.
You could try covering his cage when he starts the really loud squawking, but make sure to take the cover off as soon as he quiets down agian.  A few times of doing this might let him know that when he squawks too much, he will be covered, and he'll now that he needs to quiet down.  Make sure, however to let him have some squaking time.  Just like a baby, it will help to keep his lungs in shape.

Good luck and God Bless.




I was curious about your bird's squawking.  Have you tried the method yet, and does it help?  Please keep me informed, and feel free to ask if you have any more questions.

God Bless.

Dianna,
Thanks for your follow-up. Have to wait for "Scout's" real boss to get back from a trip before giving him the info' you sent.
Thank you again for your concern and for
giving of your time and knowledge as
a volunteer.
Lou

Answer
Lou,
You are very welcome for the follow up.  Please do keep me informed on Scout's progress.  There are some other ideas if that one does not work, but the method of covering his cage seems to be the most effective with my birds. (I currently have 3 cockatiels, an Amazon Parrot, and a Guinea Pig).  The method does work for my guinea pig too...lol.

God Bless