About 3 or 4 weeks ago I got a cockatiel from a friend. She seems very healthy and she is constantly climbing around her cage. But, she doesn't seem to like being around people. She goes on my finger and shoulder but after a few seconds she flies to her cage. Even if I am in a different room! Is that normal? Also, she LOVES to bite on my nails. Sometimes she bites too hard... How do I get her to stop biting my nails? And, If she does something really bad, what do I do? Is it wrong to yell at her? Please help me!!
Haley
Haley,
It is normal for a cockatiel to go where it feels safest. It bothers us
that your bird flies back to it's cage, because, apparently, it's wings
aren't clipped. Other than helping to prevent flying into windows or
mirrors, and avoiding escapes, clipping the flight feathers aids in the
training procedure. An avian vet or qualified groomer can do this for you
for a very nominal charge.
When correcting a bird's bad behavior, it is best to be firm by just saying "no." Yelling is counter-productive.