Why Do Parakeets Screech at Each Other?

Parakeets are one of the quieter types of parrot, and most of their vocalizations are specifically to communicate something. Parakeets are fearful of being alone because in the wild it means they have lost their flock. If your parakeet is alone and begins to screech, it may just need some attention. If you have two or more parakeets screeching at each other, they may have something else they wish to communicate.

  1. Keeping Track of Each Other

    • In the wild, parakeets and other parrot species keep track of their companions by screeching. Sometimes they screech to make contact in the morning, as a signal that it is safe to go to sleep at night and periodically throughout the day to check on others in the group. They continue this behavior in captivity, even if there is only one other bird in the cage with them.

    Getting Attention

    • Parakeets are social animals, and in the wild, they live in flocks of hundreds or thousands. Often, parakeets screech or make other vocalizations to get your attention or the attention of their companions. It can be difficult to tell if the parakeet is screeching for more attention or to be left alone. If the behavior is accompanied by pecking, they may want to be left alone.

    Mating Behavior

    • Parakeets use their courtship rituals for more than finding a mate. They also court friends and even their owners. Vocalizations such as screeching are part of this courtship ritual. Other courtship behavior includes regurgitating food to the loved one, kissing behavior, preening each other and singing to each other.

    Alerting Each Other of a Potential Threat

    • In flocks, the parakeets watch out for each other and screech to alert others of a possible danger. They continue this behavior in captivity, and sometimes screech if they sense a threat. Keeping the environment calm is one way to prevent this. Introduce new things slowly. Parakeets love music, but use calm, soothing music rather than a heavy beat that may stress the birds. Keep other pets, such as cats, away from the birds and teach children to be calm and gentle around the parakeets.

    Stress

    • Loneliness, boredom and change can stress parakeets. The signs of a parakeet under stress include screaming, diarrhea, faster than normal breathing and shaking. Sometimes parakeets under stress pull their feathers out, stop eating and sleeping normally and become aggressive. To reduce your parakeet's stress, spend more time with it, keep the environment interesting but not too busy or noisy and introduce new things slowly to allow the bird time to adjust to change.

    Immitation

    • Not all parakeets can learn to talk, but some do. They also learn to mimic other noises they hear regularly, such as phones or doorbells ringing. Some of their screeching sounds are mimicking other birds with them in the cage or outdoors.

    Desiring Alone Time

    • Just as humans, parakeets sometimes just want to be left alone. If another parakeet wants to snuggle or play, the bird wanting to be alone might screech, peck or show other signs of annoyance. There is no need for humans to intervene, the birds are able to work these situations out naturally on their own.

    Establishing a Pecking Order

    • When a new parakeet is introduced to the environment, the birds establish a pecking order. They vocalize and literally peck each other until their hierarchy is determined. Soon, the birds establish their social status within the flock and a normal pattern of behavior resumes. The birds need to work this out for themselves, and do not need help from humans. It is a completely natural process.