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There are many good reasons for adopting a cockatiel. Indeed, this expressive and easy-going bird has many strengths. Lovers of pet birds greatly appreciate it. With its cheerfulness and its sociability, it represents a suitable pet for the whole family. To understand and interact with it, it is helpful to know the meaning of these attitudes, and above all, to know the eight signs that it loves you!
Top 8 Signs That Your Cockatiel Likes You
1. It Chirps at Your Approach
If your cockatiel starts to chatter, sing, or chirp every time you approach it, it is a sign that it is happy to see you. It is therefore important to pay attention to the cries of your cockatiel.
However, if it tends to hiss a lot, it may signify that it is scared or agitated. So, if your cockatiel hisses regularly around you, there may be something wrong.
2. It Has Warm Feet
If your cockatiels’ feet are warm, it is a sign that your pet bird is healthy and thriving. It also indicates that it is happy having you near it. On the other hand, cold feet may indicate a health issue or that your cockatiel is feeling stressed.
3. It’s Body Language Is Relaxed
Observe your cockatiel’s body language carefully. For example, if it constantly tries to escape when you approach, it might be feeling threatened. Likewise, if it raises a foot in the air, it is also a sign of aggression, and your cockatiel may try to bite you.
4. The Feathers of the Crest Are in a Normal Position
Watch your cockatiel’s crest feathers. The front of the crest should be relaxed, showing that your bird is comfortable in your presence. If the crest is flat on the bird’s head, it could indicate that your cockatiel is angry. Likewise, a straight crest shows fear or restlessness, whether towards you or something else in its surroundings.
5. It Smooths Its Feathers
Cockatiels groom each other as a sign of affection. If it’s doing it in your presence, or better yet, if it’s trying to straighten your own hair, that’s a great sign of affection!
6. Its Tail Wags and Its Eyes Blink Incessantly
This is another sign that your cockatiel is excited by your presence; it even tries to flirt with you!
7. It Trots Towards You with Its Head Held High
This corresponds to an invitation to play with or stroke it. It is clearly delighted to be in your company!
8. It Regurgitates Its Last Meal in Your Hands
This ultimate sign of affection, although a little repulsive, shows that your bird wants to feed you because it has chosen you as her mate. This display of affection could hardly be more evident!
If you’re new to the wonderful world of cockatiels, you’ll need a great resource to help your birds thrive. We highly recommend taking a closer look at The Ultimate Guide to Cockatiels, available on Amazon.
This excellent book covers everything from the history, color mutations, and anatomy of cockatiels to expert housing, feeding, breeding, and health care tips.
The 4 Signs That Your Cockatiel Is Not Doing So Well
Learning to spot the signs of affection and love your cockatiel has for you is very helpful in improving your relationship with your pet bird. But, on the other hand, there are also other signs, more negative, showing that there is a problem:
- The feathers of its body are flattened, the crest is bristling, the eyes are wide open: Your cockatiel experiences a feeling of fear, or it has been frightened or surprised (by a sudden noise, for example).
- It spreads its wings while blowing with the beak open; the crest lowered backward: Your cockatiel feels in danger. It is trying to impress you by puffing up its feathers. In this case, move your hand away as it could bite you, although this is rare.
- Certain unusual behaviors can be a sign of suffering, ill-being, or illness. For example, your cockatiel may compulsively pluck its feathers. You may also see it listless, or staying in the back of its cage and not moving.
- It can also be characterized by loss of appetite. Constantly swollen plumage, along with other symptoms, should alert you. In all cases, you will need to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Conclusion
In short, the cockatiel has a joyful and affectionate character. Tame cockatiels love contacts with their humans and will happily land on the shoulder of their owner for cuddles! When in their cage, they will spend their time feeding, grooming, playing, and calling you.
Their personality will suit adults and children alike, as they are both sweet and fun. It’s also a little show on its own. No doubt, the cockatiel is an adorable little pet bird, and when you know how to spot the signs that it loves you, your relationship only gets better!
Featured Image Credit: ONGUSHI, Shutterstock
