My cockatiel is aggressive and bites after mate died. How to help?

What you can do really depends on what the cause is, so trying to find the cause is best. If you suspect illness, seeking out a vet appointment is a good first step to rule out any health issues or pain that can cause behavioral changes. Sometimes, aggression can be caused by boredom, stress or even an urge to mate. Adding in enriching toys or allowing Coco to explore his environment may help with boredom and keep him happier and occupied. Moving his cage to someplace quieter or without harassment by other pets and people can help reduce stress in addition to adding some fun toys or treats to play with. If he is trying to mate, sometimes changing the daylight hours and decrease protein amount in the diet can help, as well as distraction with interactive toys/ignoring/avoiding the behavior. If he does seem stressed and lash out, giving him a chance to calm down and relax before interacting again may also help.

Thanks for reaching out. Providing multiple food bowls around the cage could decrease aggression over food. Biting now can be due to the stress of re-locating to a new home, and time could be the cure. Try to offer treats to win his side. If the lighting is too intense, that is stressful also and can lead to the sudden attempts to fly. Try to lessen external stimuli and have patterns of daily routine to be consistent. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Keke. He might have become frightened when you reacted to his biting your ear. It might take some time for him to returned to a stress-reduced state and for you to win his trust again. If the behavior continues, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess health. Good luck.

He may be going through a hormonal phase. At 2 years of age, he's going through his "teenage" years on his way to adulthood between 3-5 years. His behavior may be temporary and will require patience on your part. Some cage aggression may also be responsible as well. Have someone else remove him from the cage and take him to another room when you have to clean his cage or refill bowls. Speak softly and move slowly around him. Offer small treats and rewards. Do not force him step up onto your hand or interact with you. This will lead to a bite. Make sure he has a variety of toys and adequate attention from other to keep him engaged. The preferences with people will change over his lifetime. Cockatoos are quite lovable and he should eventually come back around to you as long as you are there for him.

I'm sorry to hear about the loss of your bird! It just could be this is how Peppa is reacting to the loss of your other bird. if she seems lonely or bored, adding in a new friend may help her to relax some and settle back down. You can also offer some toys or special treats to help keep her occupied and get out some of that extra energy. Spending more time together may also help both you and her after the loss of your bird as well.

You will need to gradually acclimate him to you. This will take time and patience but is not impossible. Begin by sitting next to the cage for ever increasing periods of time. At the end, provide a small treat or reward. Once he accepts you nearby, place your hand IN the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Simply leave it there. Do not move or try to touch him. Again, leave a treat or reward when you are done. Move your hand closer each time. Eventually, he will acclimate and begin to show curiosity. At this point you can try getting him to perch on a finger. Don't force it and don't grab at him. Move slowly and speak softly. Always provide a reward or treat as he progresses.

Winning the trust of a scared bird can be difficult. The book "A Guide to a Well Behaved Parrot" by Gary Gallerstein, is a great reference for behavioral training in birds. Continuing to offer treats by hand with slow, deliberate movements can help win trust. Good luck.