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Birds--General/Cockatiel behaviour

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Expert: - 1/5/2008


Question
Why does my young Cockatiel run up and down his perch ?Why will he not use any toys or other perches in his cage ?

Answer
Hi, Krystyna,

I found your question(s) in the question pool this morning.  Evidently, the person you sent your question(s) to originally could not answer for some reason.

I don't know exactly why tiels do this, but it is normal behavior.  Your bird may be excited about something, may be disturbed about something, etc.  Perhaps you don't have the type of toys your tiel likes/prefers.  Tiels like swings, toys they can climb on, hang from, etc.  You'll have to try different types of toys until you find the types your bird likes.  If your bird has enough mental stimulation without toys, he may not play with his toys at all.  A bird will normally perch on/use the highest perch in its cage.  You may need to reposition the perches so they are all at the same level in the cage.  Also, your tiel may not like the types of perches you are providing.  You would need to provide more detailed information for me to help further.

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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