Like any other animal, cockatiel also expresses itself a lot with the simple movement of the body. If you pay attention to her, you can tell when she is angry with you or when she is happy. Observing some particular movements will be of great help to you.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Look for Signs of Satisfaction
Step 1. Check if the tail moves
Birds also wag their tails, just like many other pets, and this behavior usually indicates that they are happy.
Step 2. See if it walks towards you
If you are nearby and the cockatiel is approaching, it means that it looks good with you. However, he only expresses joy if his head is raised as he walks and is not bowed down.
Step 3. Pay attention to the lines
While it's not about body language, these birds like to vocalize when they're happy. They can hum or whistle; sometimes they even make noises similar to chirps.
Part 2 of 4: Observe the Signs of Aggression
Step 1. Pay attention to "glare" or if the pupils dilate
If you notice that his eyes suddenly widen, then your little bird may be angry. Stop whatever you are doing when it sends this warning sign.
Step 2. Look at her head and feathers
When very angry, the cockatiel tends its head down. It can also ruffle feathers and fan tail feathers.
If he approaches you in this posture, it means that he really wants you to walk away
Step 3. Check if it turns upside down
If he takes this position and spreads his wings, he is communicating that he wants to defend his territory. If you notice this behavior when you are near the cage, you should move away a little.
Step 4. Pay attention if he snaps to attack you
It may leap towards you with the intention of pecking you, or leap in your direction with its beak pointed. You should leave her alone for a while when she tries to attack you.
Step 5. Listen to the whistles
While these are not a proper type of body language, they still indicate aggressive behavior, such as attacks. If you hear your cockatiel whistling, it may be ready to bite.
Step 6. Be careful if it flaps its wings
When she makes sweeping movements with her wings and flaps them constantly, she is usually angry or annoyed. In this case, leave her alone for a while - especially if you are the cause of her irritation.
Part 3 of 4: Controlling Behaviors That Require Attention
Step 1. Check if it hits with its beak
Some specimens (usually males) tend to tap their beaks against objects, such as surfaces or cages. The purpose of this behavior is to attract attention, usually to the specimen or object to which their love interest is intended.
- The cockatiel can fall in love with objects, with its own reflection, with other birds or even with you.
- He may also start whistling or leaning towards the person or object of interest to him.
Step 2. Check if it jumps
Again the purpose is similar: to attract attention. However, the hops are a later stage, when the bird really wants to call attention to itself in a decisive way.
Step 3. Listen for a loud squawk
Sometimes, in combination with other particular behaviors, the cockatiel may start screaming loudly or screaming; this too is basically a way to attract attention.
Step 4. Notice if it moves its head like a snake
Pay attention to whether it moves smoothly from side to side and not jerky. She usually does this when she wants to be noticed.
Step 5. Take note if it raises a crest of feathers on its head
When a cockatiel wants to attract a partner, it causes the feathers on the top of the head to curl into a crest. Basically create a little hedgehog.
Sometimes, however, it assumes this behavior with the intent of defending its territory
Step 6. Look at the tail and wing feathers
Another way to seduce the mate is to fan out the feathers of the tail, along with the crest on the head and the spread of the wings. It can also strut and whistle.
Even in this case, however, the same behavior can mean the intention to defend the territory
Part 4 of 4: Observe the Signs of Disease
Step 1. Check if the tail sways
When the budgie is sick, it sometimes displays this attitude. If you notice this, you need to take the cockatiel to the vet.
Step 2. Check if they tend to sit up
This is another indicator that the bird may be sick. It may collapse on the perch or perch on the bottom of the cage.
Step 3. Look for other signs of illness
While they are not necessarily "behaviors", they can still indicate a malaise. For example, the cockatiel might sneeze, look lethargic, or lose her voice. He may also be eating more or less than usual or suddenly drinking more water. Additionally, your stools may also change in appearance (color) or quantity.
