Cockatiels: Information on Training & Talking

The cockatiel is a species of bird from Australia. The small birds are part of the parrot family and are very vocal. In the wild, they travel in small groups and nest in tree cavities. They prefer seeds from weeds, fruit and grain. The cockatiel made its first appearance in Europe around 1840, and has since been a popular domestic pet. Training a cockatiel means getting to know the pet's unique personality.

  1. Screaming Cockatiels

    • A cockatiel is reminiscent of a human infant. If they scream and get what they want, they continue to scream for self-satisfaction. A cockatiel scream is a loud, ear-shattering sound. The birds are noisy animals, but some of their noise can be curbed through training. Keep the cockatiel in good health and give it adequate nutrition. When physical issues are resolved, train the cockatiel by ignoring his screaming. When he stops screaming for attention, initiate interaction. This method teaches the bird that screaming does no good and a quieter chirp is more appropriate.

    Biting Cockatiels

    • If the bird bites, he is defensive. Give the bird time to adjust to the family from inside the cage. Keep the cage in a high traffic area, but leave the door closed. Sit near the bird for five to 10 minutes, talking and whistling calmly. When the bird edges closer to you, offer treats through the cage slots. Eventually open the door and offer treats through the open door. This method builds trust in the bird and he will stop biting because he no longer views you as a threat.

    Feather Plucking

    • Cockatiels pluck their own feathers from their bodies when they are stressed or scared. This habit is obvious and looks different from normal molting, where birds lose their feathers naturally. The bird plucks its own feathers if it is ignored or left alone for long periods of time. To train your cockatiel to stop this behavior, sit with your bird for longer periods of time and talk with her softly. If you can hold your bird, take her to a quiet area and spend time talking to her in a soft voice. If the plucking doesn't stop, contact an avian veterinarian.

    Talking Birds

    • Cockatiels are not parrots. They cannot be specifically trained to say phrases on command. They are smart enough, however, to repeat sounds they find entertaining. Male cockatiels are more likely to talk than females, and the ability to talk is a talent in the cockatiel, not a natural occurrence. Simply talk to your bird often and he will imitate the sounds he finds pleasing.