How to Stop Your Cockatiel From Screeching

Cockatiels are naturally very vocal birds, but more so in the mornings and early evenings. Your cockatiel may also be very vocal when you have been out for a while, as he will be excited to see you again. When your cockatiel screeches constantly, it can be very irritating and you will need to take steps to control his behavior before he gets out of hand.

Firstly check that your bird is just screeching for attention, and not hurt, uncomfortable or sick. If he looks as though he is in pain, you may need a visit to your vet for a check up. In most cases though, your cockatiel is probably just screeching for attention.

Excessive screaming and screeching normally happens if you spoil your cockatiel. Cockatiels are clever birds and can easily learn to manipulate you if you let them. They often screech for your attention, or to make you take them out or play with them. If you respond all the time, they quickly learn that making a noise will have the desired effect.

Here are a few pointers that might help you to curb the screeching behavior.

If your cockatiel screeches unnecessarily, ignore him and do not give him any attention.

Do not give him food or treats when he screeches, as he will use screeching as a method of obtaining treats from you.

Don't move him to a strange place, or the screeching could become worse.

Do spend some quality time with your cockatiel each day, do this if he is quiet and calm.

Allow for some screeching within reason, as they are not naturally quiet birds and will need to vent.

Try to teach your cockatiel to make other sounds such as whistling or talking or ever whispering to keep him amused with himself.

When he does make a good noise like talk, reward him and make a fuss of him.

Try to find patterns, like what brings on the screeching, and then maybe you can remove him from the stimuli.

He may be over stimulated, and covering him with a blanket for a while will sometimes help.

If he is on his own, give him a mirror. Cockatiels love to admire and talk to themselves.

And finally, be patient with your cockatiel. Cockatiels won't respond to punishment, they will just become frightened of you. Cockatiels are very persistent birds, and he will try you by perhaps getting even louder, before he gets better. If he knows you come running when he screeches, he will do it constantly. If the screeching behavior has been happening for a length of time, it will take longer to undo.

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