doesnt bite but nibbles on my ear..is it normal??
2007-08-01 07:44:47 · 8 answers · asked by james m 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
he's proly just scared. i think ur cockatiel is perfectly normal.
2007-08-01 07:55:14 · answer #1 · answered by mdaz 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First, your cockatiel doesn't know how to talk yet. If your bird is a female, odds are it will never talk since it's usually the male that's the most vocal. Does your bird whistle at all? If so, that's a real good sign that you've got a male tiel with odds that it will talk sooner or later. That being said, I've got a lutino cockatiel (male) who won't talk OR whistle. There's always the exception to the rule. It'll take time to practice words with your bird. Practice daily in an area with no distractions. Keep the words simple and short. That will make it easier for your bird to learn how to talk.
The gentle nibbling on your ear is your baby's attempt to groom you. He thinks of you as part of the flock, or himself as a little feathered person. He's trying to show you that he loves you. Give him gentle skritches on his cheeks, chest and head to show him that you consider him part of your flock.
2007-08-04 18:40:44 · answer #2 · answered by valgerdgydhja 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He is probably just upset because of his new surroundings. Birds take some time to calm down when they come to a new home.
I would suggest that you leave him in his cage for a few days, but stop and spend time talking gently to him several times each day. Praise him, and try to show him how friendly you are. If he will accept them, hand-feed him some special treats- popcorn is a favorite of my cockatiels.
The ear nibbling is a sign of affection, so this is good.
If you would like to consult with other bird owners, I can point you to a great Yahoo group with friendly people and tons of information. Just E-mail me or message me to let me know .
2007-08-01 08:20:48 · answer #3 · answered by John P 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hi! Is this your first bird? Is he properly weaned yet? Make sure you actually see him eating his food, to make sure that he's eating. You need to let him adjust to his new enviornment, because I'm sure he's very scared right now, with a new room, new people and a new cage. For now, you should probablly just keep him in the cage, unless he wants to come out. You can start helping him adjust to you by just sitting by the cage and reading out loud so he gets used to your voice. Make sure that he's on a healthy diet, with pellets and plenty of leafy greens and fruits. If he has not yet been converted to pellets, wait a few weeks until you try to convert him so he won't be overwhelemd by all these new things. Make sure his cage is outfitted with a few toys and perches of various textures and diameters. Have him checked out by an avian certified vet (find one near you here: www.aav.org/vet-lookup) Other than that, just let him get used to you and his new home. He should be fine! Hope this helps and good luck!
2007-08-01 08:03:30 · answer #4 · answered by p_snickerdoodle@sbcglobal.net 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Does the noise sound like radio static? This is the sound of a newly weaned baby, and it means that he's hungry. Like stated above, make sure that he's eating! He might expect you to feed him all of the time.
I think that the nibbles on your ear is a sign of affection.
2007-08-02 03:25:27 · answer #5 · answered by sailorjupiter112 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to let your cockatiel adjust to its new home.It might take about 2-3 days for it to adjust.Don't do anything to it for those days other than clean their food and water cups.
Good Luck:)
2007-08-01 07:50:54 · answer #6 · answered by upjumpy460 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
just scared. Give him time and attention.
Go slow and let him aclimate to new home.
2007-08-01 08:16:51 · answer #7 · answered by tnerb52 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes he's trying to communicate , he will recognise you and make the same noises
2007-08-04 22:52:46 · answer #8 · answered by cheri h 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋