Reasons Why Cockatiels Bite

Below are common reasons why a pet cockatiel may bite. Simply click on the biting topic below for more information. If you cannot determine why your cockatiel is biting with the information provided , please post your question on our parrot forum under the cockatiel section or head on over to our main cockatiel area.

• Reasons Why Cockatiels Bite
• Fearful Biting from a Cockatiel
• A Cockatiel Biting Out of Jealousy
• Cockatiel Territorial Biting
• Juvenile Biting in Cockatiels
• Reinforcement of Biting Unintentionally in Cockatiels

Cockatiel Territorial Biting

Territorial biting is very common in pet cockatiels and can be found in the tamest birds. The most typical example of a cocktail acting out aggressively is when an owner places their hand inside the cockatiel’s cage wishing for the parrot to step up unto their hand but instead the cocktail bites the owner due to protecting its territory. This territorial behavior can also be seen while birds are perched on stands. It is because cockatiels regard their stands as their own personal area and tend to protect that space. Once the bird bites, many owners will scold their pet cockatiel and then walk away.

It is important that owners realize biting is a natural behavior for cockatiels, and these birds are hardwired to do this in order to protect their territories. In regards to a cockatiel, a territory means guaranteed food, a roosting site, and a nesting site. Though the cockatiel might enjoy the owner’s company, it simply cannot control the need to protect its space and territory. This behavior is especially observed in female cockatiels; however, keep in mind that every bird is different and there are some birds that are not territorial at all.

Solution: Stopping this behavior takes time and there are many things that can be done to help eliminate it. The first thing would be to continually rotate all objects throughout the cage on a daily basis; toys, perches, and if possible food bowls. If items become too stationary the cockatiels tend to develop territorial behaviors towards the items within their environment.

Treats should also be used to help modify the bird’s behavior. This is a positive reinforcement tactic that helps the bird to focus on the treat rather than protecting its territory. The owner should hold the treat up so the cockatiel can see it before being asked to step up unto a hand or perch. Most cockatiels will comply as they want the treat. If the bird is not willing to step up, the owner may use a toy or some other method to distract the bird.

For extremely aggressive behavior, the owner could use a perch and ask the bird to step up onto it. This should be done daily and a treat should be given immediately after the cockatiel has completed the task. Once the cockatiel confidently steps up onto the perch without hesitation, the owner can start using their hand.
It is important the owner not pay attention to any biting. If the cockatiel should bite, and difficult as it may be, the owner should simply move their hand back and ignore it as if nothing happened. The overall goal should be to let the cockatiel know that biting is not an effective way to communication. Once the cockatiel understands this rule, biting should be minimized.