how do you get a cockatiel to shut the hell up short of snapping it's neck?

I've owned cockatiels since I was about 15 years old (I'm in my 40's now).

A screaming bird is one that wants attention desperately. How big is the cockatiels cage? A bigger cage, and more exercise will help some.

Does the cockatiel have any toys? They are smart birds, and want something to do. Shoving some whole peanuts (not salted!) in the shell part way through the cage wires is great to keep the bird busy chewing.

I've long given my 'Tiels adding machine paper. I just hang the roll (like you would TP) and pull some down. The birds will spend hours chewing the paper. They like to chew on paper towel, and TP cardboard rolls too.

A bit of apple, or broccoli through the cage wires will keep them chewing on something healthy as well.

Get the bird a mirror. Preferably one it can see all of itself in. The cockatiel will fall in love with the cockatiel in the mirror, and spend hours cuddled up to it.

Most importantly, no matter what, do not scream back at the bird. The cockatiel is seeking attention. If you yell at it, it has your attention, AND the cockatiel thinks a screaming game is a fine way to interact.

If the bird screams, lower your voice, very soft. It takes a while with birds that have been use to screaming, but eventually they begin to shut up, and speak in softer tones, since that is how you interact with it.

Sometimes getting the cockatiel a friend will work. With another cockatiel the screaming might simply become twice as loud. Mine have often had their own pet parakeet. Eventually the two birds become buddies, and groom each other. Mutually grooming time is quiet time.

I've also given my cockatiels a button quail to live at the bottom of their cages. Most of the cockatiels are so fascinated, they spend hours just watching the quail. One of mine eventually broke all his natural habits and began to sleep on the bottom of the cage with his quail.

Finches also make happy chirping noises, and can be introduced to live with a cockatiel.

Covering a cage works only for that moment (like if you have to take a phone call). In the long run, it actually makes the problem worse though. Since the bird is not getting the proper amount of light and stimulation, it screams worse than ever when the blanket is removed.

Cockatiels are smart birds. Give him something to do, and look at, and chew on. Speak in quiet tones to him. Keep radios and TV's turned down around him, so he doesn't think screaming is good.

~Garnet

Permaculture homesteading/farming over 20 years

One thing you could try is covering up the cage. For some reason animals tend to quite down when it is dark. Also, give it lot's of attention during the day. I might be lonely or bored. He might want different food or you might not be cleaning the cage enough. Some birds are picky like that. You should not under any circumstances harm the bird or hit the cage!!!

My cockatiel did the same thing. If it has enough space and gets attention, then try changing something drastically in the environment. I put a mirror in her cage ( she doesn't pay any attention to it though) and I put her cage on the opposite wall of my room.So try putting the cage in another room or more it in the same room. Also having another bird can keep them entertained, but only get another bird if you really want one, not so the bird has a friend because two birds are twice the expense and mess. Hope this helps!

~Piper

some tiels are noisier than others. yet all are tremendously lots squawkers. you're able to desire to aim overlaying the cage at situations and dimming the lighting a splash. never positioned them in finished darkness as they are companies to nightfrights. perchance try a radio on low. circulate the cage to a diverse region of the homestead. replace issues around in the cage. circulate her toys and perches. loads of toys arent good, they lose interest. positioned a million or 2 in and each couple of weeks replace them with some thing else. If she's getting alot of interest from you whilst shes doing this, then what she is doing works for her. She'll proceed.

Pay more attention to the bird. I have a birds and if you ignore them, they start chirping their heads off and running back and forth. I just walk over to the cage and talk to them softly and/or give them a treat and they'll get quiet. Whatever you do, don't harm the animal, hit the cage, or anything like that or you'll probably get charged with animal abuse.

Also, put yourself in the bird's place. If the bird doesn't have any toys, a dirty cage, and/or bad food, then they have a right to chirp their head off. :P

Well just put a blanket or cover on the cage then it should shut up, if it does then un-cover the cage and if it does start screaming again then just cover the cage up again. Once You Do that a few times it should get the point that it should be quiet.

Hope I Could Help

Try taking him/her out and giving it attenetion.

Trust me I have 3 cockatiels.

2 know how to talk and say things while one squaks loudly

and makes your ears ring!

If you dont have time to take him-her out then I would just cover the cage.

cover the cage up

lol (simple mindedness at it's best) not you, you are smart lol

my aunt also had one.she sold it.