Why is my cockatiel so quiet?
A cockatiel may become timid and quiet because it is anxious in a new environment, doesn’t enjoy its setting, and/or is dealing with an underlying health issue. Cockatiels are expressive birds and their quiet demeanor shouldn’t be accepted at face value.
There’s always something going on when a cockatiel is quiet and it’s up to you to figure out what the root cause is!
Don’t assume everything is okay because the problem will worsen causing the cockatiel to go into its shell.
Signs to look for include:
- Shivering
- Not Eating its Food
- Not Washing Itself with Water
If you start noticing a quiet cockatiel that is also displaying these signs then it’s time to find a solution right away. There’s a clear with the bird’s health and/or environment, which should be alleviated as soon as possible.
This guide will take a look at finding the answer to your question, “Why is my cockatiel so quiet?” along with what you should do about it as a bird owner.
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Tips for Helping a Quiet Cockatiel
Tip #1: Interact with the Bird
Interacting with the bird is essential and has to be a top priority.
It’s recommended to take 30-60 minutes out of your day to sit by the cage and just speak to your cockataile. This will allow it to get used to your voice, scent, and presence on a daily basis.
After a while, your cockatiel is going to want to be around you and is going to start speaking as well. This is a normal reaction the cockatiel would have to one of its family members out in the wild.
Remember, it is not going to work out right away and most cockatiels will remain apprehensive in this state.
You have to be diligent, consistent, and focused throughout the process. This means setting a time and sticking to it every single day.
If you do this, the cockatiel is going to start speaking.
Tip #2: Use Bird Toys
Bird toys are a must for the cockatiel’s cage.
If the birdcage is bare then this is a major problem! At no point should you assume the cockatiel is going to be able to entertain itself throughout the day.
This is impossible and it is going to get bored. Either the bird will start screeching to entertain itself or it will get depressed and stop speaking at all.
Your goal should be to invest in high-quality bird toys for cockatiels as soon as possible.
The bird toys should be engaging, unique, and safe for the cockatiel to use. This is the only way for it to open up and feel good about spending time in the birdcage.
Tip #3: Pet Your Bird Often
You have to go beyond speaking to your cockatiel when it comes to bonding and getting it to talk.
In general, you are going to have to get it used to your scent and touch. This means letting your hand inside the cage (without touching the bird!) and having it come to you.
Eventually, the cockatiel won’t be afraid of you and is going to willingly come up to your hand. This is when you are welcome to pet it.
The benefits include:
- Increased Bonding with the Bird
- Helps Understand the Bird’s Tendencies
- Helps the Bird Speak
Bonding with the cockatiel is a must and it can be done with the use of touch.
Just let it sit on your shoulder or nearby throughout the day. This will be the best way to move forward once it starts speaking to you.
Tip #4: Use Bird Treats
Just like the bird toys, you should also look to buy a bag of quality bird treats for cockatiels.
These treats are going to allow the cockatiel an opportunity to ease up and enjoy the moment. This is when they are going to start feeling confident and speak again.
A lot of quiet birds react well to treats, however, you will have to figure out which treats the cockatiel enjoys most.
Each cockatiel is different when it comes to preferences.
In general, a lot of birds will enjoy something as simple as bird seeds and will want to eat them from time to time when given the opportunity.
Final Thoughts
Why is my cockatiel so quiet?
Your cockatiel may become quiet because it is anxious and vulnerable due to a lingering health issue. Cockatiels are known for going into a psychological shell when they are ill and it can do a number one them.
This is why it’s best to stay patient with your cockatiel and take the time to speak to a vet too.
What if the issue doesn’t involve the bird’s health and has to do with something psychological? In general, most cases are going to involve the bird not being happy with its surroundings.
For example, a bird may get bored inside the cage and is frustrated. In other situations, the bird may become nervous in a new setting because it was just moved into a different cage or house.
Look at what is going on with your bird when answering the question, “Why is my cockatiel so quiet?” because that’s what matters the most!
To help your cockatiel at home, go through these articles – advice for taming a scared bird, how to help a screeching bird, tips for bathing a bird, and training a bird to come to you.