I have a 7 month old male cockatiel that I have had since he was a baby. He was parent raised, but was pretty tame when he was younger. He can do the wolf whistle. Lately though he doesn't like to sit on your finger, he threatens with his beak whenever a finger comes near him. He is especially 'afraid' of other people.

What should I do about this? He doesn't seem to like people at all anymore.

Christy Moyer


Christy,

This is around the right time for your baby to be going through his first molt. He may be a little more aggressive during molting because of all the pinfeathers he is developing on his body. Plenty of patience, understanding and bandages right now are the keys to solving this problem. When he goes to bite you, use the UP command and a forceful tone; and whatever you do, don't physically threaten him as it will only increase his aggression.