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Bad behaviour of my cockatiel (weiro)?
Hi all,
I have a 4-month old cockatiel since 2 months ago. In general, she's (may be a he) very friendly and sweet, she's a very loving bird except when she nibbed at me.
1) I tried to correct her bad behaviour by saying NO then put her back in the cage for about 1/2 hr. I have to admit that the situation improved but still happened. I found that she only love biting my fingers but never bite my face. I wonder if she literally knows that my fingers and hands are part of my body.
2) She preens a lot and she eats the fine feathers that fell out - is this normal?
2 Answers
- Anonymous1 decade agoFavourite answer
Cockatiels will often keep biting fingers even if they are bonded to you and tame. It's normal, instinctual behavior for them. My parakeets still bite me sometimes, including one I've had for eight years. I ignore it because I have bonded with them and I know it's normal for them to do sometimes.
Cockatiels will preen often, which is normal. This helps get their feathers in good condition from the oil they get from the uropygial gland. Many cockatiels will place the feathers in their beaks, but I've never seen any actually eat them.
Source(s): Owned parakeets and finches for 15 years, taken care of cockatiels - 1 decade ago
To stop her nibbling your fingers try her with a honey stick or something similar,mainly to take her attention away from your fingers.
If she is only nibbling & not biting its probably a sign of affection rather than malice, so I wouldn't worry too much.
As for the preening & chewing of feathers, no worries this is quite normal.
Source(s): Bird breeder.