Content

• To step
• Part 1 of 4: Look for signs of satisfaction
• Part 2 of 4: Watch for signs of aggression
• Part 3 of 4: Checking for attention-grabbing behaviors
• Part 4 of 4: Recognizing signs of illness

Cockatiels, like any other animal, can tell you a lot through the movements they make. If you pay attention, you will be able to learn when your bird is angry with you and when she is happy. Paying attention to certain body movements can help.

To step

Part 1 of 4: Look for signs of satisfaction

1. Watch for wagging tails. Birds can wag their tails, just like other pets. The bird will wag its tail back and forth. Usually this gesture means that the bird is satisfied.
2. See if he walks up to you. If you are around and he comes to you, it is a sign that he is happy to have you there. But he is only happy when his head is up when he walks towards you, and not pointed down.
3. Listen to sounds. While not much of a gesture, cockatiels love to talk when they are happy. They will sing or whistle to themselves. They will also make small chirping noises.

Part 2 of 4: Watch for signs of aggression

1. Pay attention to flashing or dilated pupils. If your cockatiel's eyes suddenly widen, it could be a sign that he's getting angry. When you see this warning sign, stop what you are doing.
2. Look at its head and feathers. When he's really angry, he can turn his head down. It can also put up its feathers and spread its tail feathers.
   • If he starts walking towards you in this position, then he really wants you out of the way.
3. See if it turns upside down. This attitude, combined with spread wings, is usually a sign that he is defending his territory. It is probably time to retreat if he takes this position when you get close to his cage.
4. Watch for bites. Cockatiels will lash out at you when they start biting. They can also bite in your direction with their beaks. If they try to nip at you, leave them alone for a while.
5. Listen for hissing. While hissing isn't a gesture, it goes hand in hand with other aggressive behaviors, such as lashing out. When you hear your cockatiel hiss, it can prepare to bite.
6. Watch for wing flapping. Flapping of the wings, when the bird makes an elaborate gesture with its wings and moves them up and down, is usually a sign that it is angry or upset. Leave him alone if you have disturbed him.

Part 3 of 4: Checking for attention-grabbing behaviors

1. Be alert for beak bumps. Some cockatiels, especially males, will bump into things like countertops and cages with their beaks. The intention is to get attention, usually from the one who or who has gotten his love interest.
   • Cockatiels can fall in love with objects, their own image, other birds, and even you.
   • He can also whistle or lean towards the person or thing.
2. Watch out for hopping. Hopping serves the same purpose as thrusting with the beak; he seeks attention. But hopping goes a step further than thrusting with the beak. He's really begging for attention.
3. Listen for loud screeching. Sometimes, in coordination with other behaviors, cockatiels can screech or scream loudly. In fact, the cockatiel is just looking for attention.
4. Watch for head squiggly. Squirming is when the bird moves its head back and forth. It's a smooth movement, not a jerky one. Usually the bird is just asking to be seen.
5. Note the setting up of the crest feathers. When a cockatiel tries to seduce a partner, he can have the feathers curled upside down into a crest. In fact, it forms a small curl on top of its head.
   • But he can also defend his territory with this gesture.
6. Note the feathers of the tail and wings. Another sign of temptation is the fanning of the tail feathers, in combination with the raising of the head feathers and the spreading of the wings. He can also parade and whistle.
   • Again, this gesture could also be a sign that he's defending his territory.

Part 4 of 4: Recognizing signs of illness

1. Watch for your cockatiel to hang its tail. Sometimes when a cockatiel is sick, it can hang its tail. If you see this sign, it may be time to take him to the vet.
2. Be alert to his way of sitting. Another indication that your bird may be sick is when it is sitting. He will then either huddle on a perch or sit on the bottom of the cage.
3. Watch for other signs of illness. While these signs are not necessarily gestures, they can also indicate illness. For example, your bird may sneeze, be very sleepy, or lose its voice. He may also eat more or less or suddenly drink more water. Finally, his feces can change in appearance (color) or quantity.