Why is my cockatiel suddenly grumpy?

Question

I have had a seven month old female cockatiel for about a little more than a week now. Before two days ago, she was sweet and always wanted to be on or around somebody. She hated her cage and would chirp to get out whenever we had to put her in to go to sleep. She'd be out pretty much the whole day with someone, or on top on her cage, hanging around. As for these two days, she's been really crabby and somewhat aggressive. She tries to peck and move away from anyone who puts their hands near her and makes a small squawking sound. She is also turning her back towards us and facing the wall. I don't know if she's gotten TOO much attention, her sleeping's all wacked up because of my own late summer hours, or what. I'm not sure what I should do and what's going on-- does anyone have an idea? Thank you.

Also, she's eating quite a lot, so I don't know if that means anything besides simply hunger.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

I am basing my answer on your statement that you have had it for a little more than a week. I am also assuming that the bird is not sick. Just to be on the safe side on this, I would start by getting a book about cockatiels and reading it -- if it's a good book, it will tell you what symptoms to watch for that indicates a bird is ill.

I believe the most likely cause is this:

Birds bond with their owners. The bond they form is formed for life. Once that bond is broken, unfortunately, some birds never recover from this. It may seem confusing that it was fine for a few days, then suddenly upset. Well, it's probably finally figured out that this stint at your home is not a fun visit to meet new people, but a change in it's life. It is not happy. They are intelligent creatures, but sometimes a little slow on the uptake. So, if the bird was from a previous owner, it is likely very upset at this bond being broken.

If the bird was brought from a pet store, then this will not be such an issue. But, these are creatures of habit, and if this is the case, it's routine has been tremendously upset and it's environment radically changed. And it's finally caught on to the fact. So it is stressed and trying to adapt to it's new surroundings and new people.

What I suggest is to continue to care for the bird. They are smart enough to realize you are their source of food and water. I would suggest attempting to handle the bird a time or two a day, but not force this issue -- if the bird turns its back, let it turn it's back and try again in a few hours or the next day. Even if it turns it's back, it will be helpful if you would sit down near it's home and speak to it in soft tones for a few minutes several times a day without trying to handle it. These kinds of approaches will let the bird know that you are here to take care of it, and that you want to be it's friend.

It is totally up to the bird rather or not it will accept your invitation of friendship. If it has had a prior owner, then this may be an unresolvable problem for you, but only the bird can decide. If it has not had a prior owner, then chances are, with a little time and patience, it will sink in that this new environment ain't that bad, and will likely warm back up to you.

Good luck.

? · Answer

Well, u pretty sure shes a female?
all right then
well, these are the symptoms of an egg!
if she is put in with a male and they mated, than say hello and get prepared for a whole heap of baby cockatiels!
and if she isnt with a male, than she is going to lay an unfertilised egg, meaning that there will be no chicks.....nature intends of letting females lay unfertilised eggs every now and than....so this may be the reason, if so, u have to give her plenty of fruit and vegetables
and make sure she has a nest box with her
you never know when she may need it!
i hope this helps!

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Why is my cockatiel suddenly grumpy?

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