https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/cockatiel/understanding-your-nippy-cockatiel
*Cockatiels are charming and affectionate pets with unique care needs. In the Cockatiel Education Hub, you’ll find information on vocalization, social bonding, nutrition, and creating a safe and engaging environment tailored to your cockatiel’s personality.
Cockatiels may occasionally nip, hiss, or bite, but these behaviors don not always indicate anger. Often, they are simply trying to communicate.
A bite might mean your bird is overstimulated, tired, or seeking attention. It could also be a response to being touched in a way they do not like - some cockatiels enjoy head scratches, while others may nip to signal they want space.
Observing the context and timing of these behaviors can help you identify triggers, such as lack of sleep, a need to relieve themselves, or a perceived threat.
It is also important to consider if you might be unintentionally reinforcing the biting by giving attention - even negative attention can be rewarding for a bird.
To encourage better behavior, reward positive actions and remember to offer praise when your cockatiel is calm and well behaved, not just when correcting misbehavior.
For birds that bite, shoulder riding should be off limits until their behavior improves. While many cockatiels enjoy perching on shoulders due to the height and familiarity, it can become a risky habit if biting is involved.
Instead, interact with your bird on your hand or knee, and block access to your shoulder by bending your elbow sharply or keeping your hand at shoulder level.
Offer distractions like treats or toys to redirect their attention and reduce the temptation to climb.
Chewy editorial team stresses that with consistency and gentle redirection, most cockatiels can be trained out of unwanted biting habits.
