Expert: Teresa Weingart - 1/11/2012

Question
Hello, thanks for your site - my husband got a young cockatiel for Christmas - we have him/her in a big cage but he/she screeches often and very loudly, waking us early and going on and on through the day. This bird was not hand reared - purchased from reliable pet shop in Warwick, Qld. We had a hand reared one years ago and hardly had a problem - this one is driving us crazy. What suggestions could you offer to help? When we put the bird out in the sunshine for a little while, it really screeches and worries the neighbours as well as us, but when it is inside, it still screeches a bit - I have only heard it making a happy noise once as it looked in its new mirror! We would be very grateful for your help. Thanks very much.

Answer
Hello Ann -

Thanks for posting.

Well, the more light you give a cockatiel, the louder it will be.  Give him/her a few hours of darkness everyday and try to make it a routine.  It shouldn't matter if he/she was hand-reared or not.  

I keep mine covered a few hours everyday.  When I put the cage out on a nice day, I only leave it out for an hour or two.  Then I bring them in and partially cover the cage.  

Whether they are completely covered or partially covered is something you will have to determine over time, depending on how the bird reacts.

Good luck

Teresa