Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My cockatiel has started squawking non-stop since we moved to a new home. Before we lived in a one-level apartment complex and if we weren't in the same room she would eventually find her way in whatever rooms we were in. Now we live in a 4 level home and she squawks non-stop. It doesn't seem to matter if we are in the room or not. I've tried letting her walk around on my shoulder but she still squawks. We've tried giving her treats -- still squawks. If I cover her cage, she will quit squawking but as soon as you uncover the cage she starts squawking again. Why is she doing this? It drives me crazy! I love my little baby so much and cannot figure out why she is doing this.

How long ago did you move? Is she just scared? Maybe thinks you're going away?

We moved in January of this year. She doesn't squawk every day. Mostly on Saturdays & Sundays. I don't know if she squawks during the day while we are gone to work. But she doesn't squawk all the time in the evening.

Hmmm.. that is puzzling. Are you spending less time with her because of the size of the house? They really notice any reduction in time spent with them.

On the other hand my tiel has been doing this loud shrill whistle even when on my shoulder (God save my ears) and I don't know why. She never used to do that especially when with me.

I love her dearly but she can be a pain. lol

"I've tried letting her walk around on my shoulder but she still squawks. We've tried giving her treats -- still squawks."

This may explain part of your problem. By giving her attention and squeaks while she`s squawking you are inadvertantly rewarding and encouraging this behavior. I would make sure she has a lot of toys, and give her plenty of attention. This should be more then just direct attention, or cuddling. It`s also important to spend time in the same room as her while she plays, and occassionally glance up from your laundry (or whatever you`re up to) to talk to her.
Only offer her treats and rewards when she`s being quite and well behaved.

I also don`t recommend covering her with a blankie when she`s screaming. Some birds will interpret your approach as a reward, even if you only approach to cover her. However, you can cover her premptively, while she`s still quiet, if you know you need an hour of peace and quiet. She takes a little nap, and you have time to work without aggrevation. Just be sure not to abuse it so that she spends large amounts of time covered.

There was a recent article in the Companion Parrot Quarterly a few issues back about screaming. It may prove useful to you. You can order back-issues from www.companionparrot.com
From the site you can browse through the list of articles in each back-issue until you find the one about screaming.

I had this kind of problem with my Sun Conure when she was young and insecure, and a Sun Conure's screaming is every bit as piercing and eardrum-shattering. And she could keep it up for three hours straight, no problem at all.

The advice about frequently talking to your bird from wherever you are (addressing them by name helps, most animals like to hear the sound of their own name) is good. This is a contact call that reassures the bird.

I did a consult with Sally Blanchard on Lele's screaming, and significantly reduced her bellowing by giving her a short amount of quality time without other distractions when I would come home, and this would defuse her greatly. 15 minutes or so would do the trick.

I also took to wadding up bits of Kleenex and stuffing them into my ears when she was on a real screaming jag to save my eardrums from damage and to cut it down to a manageable level.

It may have a lot to do with displacement from the environment she knew to this new one, and feeling abandoned if you then went off to work for the day. Do you play a radio for her during the day while you are gone? I discovered that one of my Tiels was a fan of Big Band and Swing, while Lele liked Country, and got her 'fix' of it during the day while I was gone (because I can't stand it myself), and it seemed to make them happier.

Thanks guys! I try to spend time with her as often as possible. She starts that squawking first thing on Saturday mornings though and continues throughout the day. I will check in to that article at companionparrot.com as well. We used to play the tv for our birds for years and then quit and I have contemplated turning the radio on for them just need to get one as the family stereo is now in a different room.