Talon

I need a quick answer to a question. If a cockatiel is known to occasionally screech, is that normal behavior for them? I cant give you any more info, other than he occasionally screeches....I have the chance to adopt a free male, and he does talk, allows some head scratches, but was told he occasionally screeches...dont need a screeching bird...what to do, what to do?

No, I would not chalk it up to just being a baby.....follow your instincts, if he is acting differently and irritable and sleeping more and you are seeing a change, then you do,what your instinct is telling you, DEFINATELY have him checked out at the vet. Better safe than sorry when it comes to a bird. Please let me know,what you find out. My tag was acting the same, I took her in and she had a bacterial infection and ecoli that she had since I got her from the breeder, she was more sick than I knew. But a few days of antibiotics and she was back to normal and good as new. I hope that it is nothing, but you are doing the right thing by taking your bird in. Keep us posted.

Oh how beautiful!!!!

Dan, that is a wonderful story. I am so happy you shared that with us. It is a testament to how long it can take for an abused bird to come around. He looks beautiful and is really thriving on your tlc. I have the same hanging stand in your middles picture. Nilah loves it!

Last warning, if this doesn't stop..I'm locking this thread, all GOOD intentions have ended, such a shame, this thread was too be helpful.

I have heard that Cockatiels can be very dusty. Anyone have one or knows if this is true or not. I already have 3 parrots, 2 parakeets, not so sure I need more of a mess.

Omg!! She is beautiful!!

Just wanted to vent a bit.......we have a local animal shelter called Dakin Anuimal Shelter. When it started many years ago, it was literally almost a shack of a building, trying to rescue and help animals in need. They are a no-kill shelter dealing mostly in cats and dogs, an occassionally bunny or bird, etc. Over the years, they have recieved enough donations to build a better building and start a bigger facility in another area. They offer low cost vaccines and spaying and neutering for anyone. Their animals are kept in areas out of view from the public, you have to enter, and be allowed to go into the rooms to see those up for adoption. From the outside, it is mostly brick with nothing to see. This past Tuesday night, someone thru a cinder block through their front window, and went into the building and stole 2 parakeets and a cockatiel..........that was it. Unbelievable!!!! It infuriates me someone did that, there are so many available on Craig's list, it is easy to get a free bird!!! Ugh,

I don't agree with grabbing their beaks for any reason...... It isn't a behaviour that they can possibly understand. They are not dogs or kids. They should not to be expected to behave as such. Our birds need to be treated as the species they are, They should NOT be expected to behave as a family member with the same expectations we expect from our dogs and kids, etc. they have special needs and need to be treated in the language that they understand, not ours. No offense Nancy, I'm not trying to pick a fight or arguement, but you always tell us how Sophie must live by YOUR rules, YOU are the PARENT. That is not at all how I believe a relationship should be with any bird. I can't help but wonder if Sophie is so well behaved as you say, because she is fearful and not allowed to flourish as a true grey.......JMHO

Yes, I agree. Fabric softener is HIGHLY dangerous. Try empty cardboard boxes, my birds love shredding tem up. But as we call it, they like to renovate their apt.

Aww.....that's wonderful!

Welcome! Sounds like you have a very well adjusted and well cared for new addition! I love the pics. Thanks for sharing them, and I look forward to hearing more.

They are adorable! Can't wait to hear how you decide which one...or two...

Jay offers very good advice. You haven't said, how she has been behaving for the past 6 months? Has she left her cage, does she seem to enjoy you sitting next to her cage and talking to her? Does she show any interest in what the family is doing? Where is her cage located. She may not like the location. Is she getting enough sleep time? What's her diet? It is like being an investigator, YOU have to try and figure out what is wrong by the things you try and how she reacts. Keep us posted. She needs a lot of tlc and understanding....

Don't worry if they get along or not. Many of us have birds that learn to tolerate and live as a flock, even tho they may not like each other. They eventually settle in to a flock order and know their place. Mine never preen each other, but Talon my grey and Nilah my amazon love to play chase thru the house. My tag starts it and loves it cause she can fly so much better than an amazon!

That's a greyt story Nancy! Thanks for the laugh. I can picture how cute that must have been.

Finally, the answer we have all been waiting for! Thank you for your post! It was written with the upmost truth!

Awww. that is adorable!! Thanks for sharing. You put a big smile on my face!!

Well, it seems you learn something new every day...never realized this...this MIGHT just save what is left of the woodwork in my house thanks to Rikki & Nilah!! THANK YOU!!!

Could it be that it is just swollen due to the impact...kind of like our finger swells if we hit it too hard or something like that? Its not bleeding, and seems fine otherwise. Guess I would just watch and see if anything changes.

WOW! That is very nice!

Thank you Jay and Thank you Kim for the link you,posted as a GREAT reminder. This thread I started was not to prove WHO is right or WHO is wrong. It was only meant as a reminder that is is NEVER OKAY FOR HUMANS TO KISS OR SHARE OUR MOUTHS, ETC. WITH OUR BIRDS! So as Nilah would yell.....l..l.lENOUGH!

That's exciting! You can be the first to show off in the new Caique room coming soon!

Sorry ray, but there was a forum glitch and your cockatiel thread was accidently erased. Please hang on, and I will be restarting those sub rooms this weekend..... sorry

Nancy, I believe it what is positive bacteria on us is NEGATIVE to our birds. I hope Dave or Dan or Jay or Ray comes on soon to set me and you straight on this.