How to Get My Cockatiel to Stop Biting

Cockatiels do not have large hands or weapons to fight with, so when it comes down to self-defense, they use their beaks. It is common for cockatiels that were neglected, abused or not hand-reared by previous owners to have a biting problem. Getting a cockatiel to stop biting can be hard, but some cockatiels will take to it quickly and stop the nasty habit.

Instructions

    • 1

      Identify the cause of the biting. Survival biting is caused by a threatened and defensive cockatiel, causing it to react aggressively. Hormonal biting is caused by built-up frustration by an inability to breed. Control biting is a method used by the cockatiel to control you. They more than likely bit you before, and got a desired reaction from you. Fear is the most common reason for biting. Grabbing the bird quickly, loud children, other pets, lights and many more things can frighten cockatiels. Hormonal biting will pass with time, and it cannot be trained out of a bird. Survival, control and fear biting however, can be tamed.

    • 2
      Gentle, soothing words can also be a reward to your cockatiel.

      Reward the bird for good behavior. When your cockatiel is behaving well, praise him with treats, kind words and rewards. Firmly say "no" if the cockatiel bites. After being bit, do not pull back your arm or show any sign of pain.

    • 3

      Watch out for the warning signs for biting. Hissing, tail fanning, swaying, eye pinning, moving the wings up, puffing up and lunging are all warning signs. By doing this, the bird is trying to get you to back off. If you do not stop provoking the bird, they will bite.

    • 4

      Talk in a gentle, calm voice to your cockatiel, and care for it carefully. Do not talk in hyper or loud tones to the cockatiel.

    • 5
      Try to keep the bird away from your head and shoulders.

      Avoid putting the cockatiel on your shoulder. Being on your shoulder shows the cockatiel that they can be dominant. Instead, maintain eye contact with the bird, and keep them below or around chest level.

    • 6
      Your cockatiel won't bite you after you gain its trust.

      Gain your cockatiel's trust. Sit by the cage and talk gently, while reading a book or magazine. Eat snacks around the cockatiel. Never force the bird to come out of the cage. Instead try to coax the bird out gently with popcorn and treats.