A 21-year-old cockatiel exhibiting persistent screaming and attention-seeking behaviors, including what the owner describes as “flirting,” presents a common challenge for bird owners. This article addresses these issues by exploring potential causes and offering solutions based on avian behavioral science and husbandry. The primary goal is to help owners understand and manage hormonal and attention-seeking tendencies in their feathered companions, promoting a calmer and more harmonious environment for both bird and owner.
Understanding the Behavior
Nancy B.’s cockatiel, at 21 years old, is experiencing what appears to be hormonal behavior, despite her age. The constant screaming, demanding attention, and “flirting” with men, including attempting to “mate” with the owner’s hand, are all indicators of this. This behavior is particularly concerning when it’s constant and only subsides when the bird receives direct attention.
The Role of Hormones and Biology
Hormonal behaviors in birds are driven by biological and environmental cues. While 21 is mature for a cockatiel, hormonal cycles can persist. The cockatiel’s attraction to men and specific mating gestures suggests a strong biological drive. It’s noted that she doesn’t display these “mating dances” with other females, reinforcing the hormonal aspect.
Environmental Factors: Lighting and Diet
The bird’s environment plays a crucial role in regulating hormonal cycles.
Lighting and Circadian Rhythms
The lighting around the bird’s cage is a significant factor. Insufficient or improper lighting can disrupt a bird’s circadian rhythm, potentially exacerbating hormonal issues. Light therapy, which involves a timed lighting schedule, can help regulate a bird’s hormones.
- Light Therapy Recommendation: A full-spectrum daylight bulb on a timer, set to 12 hours on and 12 hours off daily, can help maintain a bird’s equilibrium. For more intensive treatment, a 72-hour light therapy session is suggested. During this period, the bird remains in its cage with the light on continuously. This influences the pineal gland, which is accessed through the eyes, helping to reset the bird’s internal clock. During the night of this treatment, covering the cage with a towel can prevent visual stimulation from the owner, aiding in the reset. While the bird will be awake at odd hours, it will also nap and eat as needed.
Dietary Influence
A bird’s diet can also signal readiness to breed. When food is perceived as abundant, a bird’s instinct is to raise a family.
- Dietary Adjustment: Keeping large bowls of food available constantly can inadvertently encourage breeding behavior. Reducing the amount of food offered at any given time, perhaps to a tablespoon per serving, and even removing food at night, can help mitigate this perception of abundance.
Addressing Behavioral Issues
Beyond environmental adjustments, how a bird is handled and how its vocalizations are managed are key to modifying unwanted behaviors.
Proper Handling Techniques
Physical interaction with a bird can stimulate or suppress hormonal responses.
- Petting Guidelines: It is crucial to avoid petting a bird below the neck, such as on its back or body. These areas are considered sensitive and can be erogenous zones for birds, potentially leading to hormonal responses. Petting should be limited to the head, from the neck upwards.
Managing Vocalizations
Vocalizations are a natural form of communication for birds, but excessive or demanding calls need to be managed.
- Ignoring Screaming: Responding to every call or scream can reinforce the behavior. The owner should consciously choose when to engage with the bird. While some vocalization is normal flock communication, persistent screeching should largely be ignored.
- Scheduled Interaction: It is important to have regular, engaging interactions with the bird, but these should be on the owner’s schedule, not in immediate response to every demand. This teaches the bird that attention is given, but not on demand.
Further Resources
For owners seeking more in-depth information, resources on light therapy and hormonal behavior in pet birds are available. These can provide a deeper understanding of the science behind bird behavior and offer additional strategies for management.
Author Information
This advice is provided by Mitch Rezman, with expertise in avian behavior and husbandry. His work often focuses on practical solutions for common pet bird issues.
References
- Economy Lamp, Bulb, and timer package
- Why Do Pet Bird Keepers Get The Lighting Thing Wrong?
- More lighting articles
By implementing these strategies, owners can work towards reducing excessive screaming and managing hormonal behaviors, leading to a more balanced relationship with their companion cockatiel.
