This is an excellent information guide. I have my first tiel... his or her name is George. When I bought George I was told he is very young! I guess that was right, he has orange patches on his face and is starting to grow one or two yellow feathers on the back of his/her head. Could you tell me if this means he is a male?

Also at night he tends to sit on his perch and squeak or grate his beak. Is this normal? He doesn't really like being scratched -- do you think if I persist he will enjoy it?

Thanks, I'll be back to read other peoples questions!

Cathy

Cathy,

Adult male cockatiels will have bright yellow faces. Their faces will begin to turn between 8 to 10 months of age. This is when they go through their first molt. The yellow feathers on the back of the head could indicate that the bird carries a gene for the Pied mutation.

The noise you mentioned is what we refer to as "chewing a rock." This is what it sounds like to us sometimes. Birds will do this when they are relaxed and getting ready to go to sleep. It is perfectly normal.

Some birds just do not like to be scratched on the head. Keep trying, it may be he is still getting used to his new Mom.