Can anyone help with some Cockatiel psychology?

Question

My cockateil injured his foot and in order to keep a better eye on him during his time out (about four hours per day) I took him upstairs into the spare/workroom.When I Itried to get him back downstairs he refused by flying back up (we are open plan). At the same time he had found an empty packing box on top of the wardrobe with a few old papers. Now he screams to come out the second he hears I am up at 5am goes into the box and spend s most of the day there except for the odd chat and to feed and water.Why?

Answer 1

Cockatiels don't like coming back down - I have five and they fly freely around the house - but - when one goes upstairs they can't seem to comprehend flying down! You'll have to catch it I'm afraid to get it downstairs! If it is hand tame just put your hand around it and take it back - if not hand tame - gently cover it with a tea towel and wrap it around - cover the head and take it down!

Answer 2

My thoughts are that the bird, being injured, has found a safe hidey-hole in which to recuperate. Its natural instinct will be to protect itself from predators which could more easily get it when it's injured.

Make a good alternative downstairs where the cockatiel feels safe- this could include putting the cage in a corner or partially covering the cage so that birdy has somewhere safe-feeling to hide. This will give the bird the chance to readjust to his usual environment without the injury making it feel so vulnerable.

Kez

Answer 3

He has found somewhere he feels comfortable and happy, maybe you could move the box to the place where you want him to be, and try keeping it at the same hight too.

To try to stop the morning screaming the key is to ignor him until a later time; try only letting him out when he is quiet, so at least signing softly, so that you are not always doing as he is demanding of you. I know trhis might be very hard as I bet he is very very load but the longer you manage it the better it will be.

Answer 4

He just feels safer in the spot he picked out.

If you want him downstairs you'll have to gently carry him there.
Perhaps you can move the box closer to where the cage is.
or bring the cage to the room where the box is.

I put my birds to bed in a separate room at night and turn the lights off at a certain time and wake them everyday at the same time and take them out during the day to the bird play area.

works well for me. They squawk a bit at bed time but settle down very fast

hope this helps

Answer 5

my cockatiel did pretty much the same thing, he kept running into boxes and refused to come out, turns out he well..matured. so what i did was bought him one of those wooden houses you get for rats. he loves it. if he's out and he gets fed up he just climbs back into his cage and goes in his house and whistles.

never knew cockatiels had a problem flying down stairs though, mines used to do it all the time, now he's just lazy and jumps on my head.

Answer 6

maybe he finds comfort and solace, from being in the box. Maybe he/she thinks it is a mating box, and needs a partner. If he/she wants to go upstairs why not take up the cage, for a while. Or place the cage in the box down stairs.

Answer 7

I use to own two cockatiels, but one died. Now I only have one. Cockatiels don't like flying downwards for some reason.It's best just to get him on your hand, then quickly and gently put your other hand over him and walk him downstairs. My cockatiel doesn't like flying upwards for some reason...

Answer 8

I think your cockatielsis a female!! Females are always looking for a good nesting sight! And i think this is what your's is doing..but dont let her! if you do she start laying eggs and become eggs bound and be very very agressive..i have 6 cockatiels..and some of mine do this!