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Home > Birds > 8 Signs that Your Cockatiel Likes You: What to Look For

8 Signs that Your Cockatiel Likes You: What to Look For

blue White cockatiel

There are many good reasons for adopting a cockatiel. Indeed, this expressive and easy-going bird has many strengths. Lovers of pet birds greatly appreciate it. With its cheerfulness and its sociability, it represents a suitable pet for the whole family. To understand her and interact with her, it is helpful to know the meaning of these attitudes, and above all, to know the eight signs that she loves you!divider-birds

Top 8 Signs That Your Cockatiel Likes You

1. She Chirps at Your Approach

If your cockatiel starts to chatter, sing, or chirp every time you approach her, it is a sign that she is happy to see you. It is therefore important to pay attention to the cries of your cockatiel.

However, if she tends to hiss a lot, it may signify that she is scared or agitated. So, if your cockatiel hisses regularly around you, there may be something wrong.

Cinnamon cockatiel_Shutterstock_rainyclub
Image By: rainyclub, Shutterstock

2. She Has Warm Feet

If your cockatiels’ feet are warm, it is a sign that your pet bird is healthy and thriving. It also indicates that she is happy having you near her. On the other hand, cold feet may indicate a health issue or that your cockatiel is feeling stressed.


3. Her Body Language Is Relaxed

Observe your cockatiel’s body language carefully. For example, if she constantly tries to escape when you approach her, she might be feeling threatened. Likewise, if she raises a foot in the air, it is also a sign of aggression, and your cockatiel may try to bite you.

grey cockatiel close up_Pixabay
Image By: Pixabay

4. The Feathers of Her Crest Are in a Normal Position

Watch your cockatiel’s crest feathers. The front of the crest should be relaxed, showing that your bird is comfortable in your presence. If the crest is flat on the bird’s head, it could indicate that your cockatiel is angry. Likewise, a straight crest shows fear or restlessness, whether towards you or something else in its surroundings.


5. She Smooths Her Feathers

Cockatiels groom each other as a sign of affection. If she’s doing it in your presence, or better yet, if she’s trying to straighten your own hair, that’s a great sign of affection!

Female albino cockatiel_Gary_Ellis_Photography_shutterstock
Image By: Gary_Ellis_Photography, Shutterstock

6. Her Tail Wags and Her Eyes Blink Incessantly

This is another sign that your cockatiel is excited by your presence; she even tries to flirt with you!


7. She Trots Towards You with Her Head Held High

This corresponds to an invitation to play with her or to stroke her. She is clearly delighted to be in your company!

cockatiel bird_Jenifer Kramer, Pixabay
Image By: Jenifer Kramer, Pixabay

8. She Regurgitates Her Last Meal in Your Hands

This ultimate sign of affection, although a little repulsive, shows that your bird wants to feed you because she has chosen you as her mate. This display of affection could hardly be more evident!

If you’re new to the wonderful world of cockatiels, you’ll need a great resource to help your birds thrive. We highly recommend taking a closer look at The Ultimate Guide to Cockatiels, available on Amazon.

The Ultimate Guide to Cockatiels

This excellent book covers everything from the history, color mutations, and anatomy of cockatiels to expert housing, feeding, breeding, and health care tips.

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The 4 Signs That Your Cockatiel Is Not Doing So Well

Learning to spot the signs of affection and love your cockatiel has for you is very helpful in improving your relationship with your pet bird. But, on the other hand, there are also other signs, more negative, showing that there is a problem:

  • The feathers of her body are flattened, the crest is bristling, the eyes are wide open: Your cockatiel experiences a feeling of fear, or she has been frightened or surprised (by a sudden noise, for example).
  • She spreads her wings while blowing with the beak open; the crest lowered backward: Your cockatiel feels in danger. She is trying to impress you by puffing up her feathers. In this case, move your hand away as she could bite you, although this is rare.
  • Certain unusual behaviors can be a sign of suffering, ill-being, or illness. For example, your cockatiel may compulsively pluck her feathers. You may also see her listless,  or stay in the back of her cage and not move.
  • It can also be characterized by loss of appetite. Constantly swollen plumage, along with other symptoms, should alert you. In all cases, you will need to contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Blue Cockatiel_Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH_Shutterstock
Image By: Bildagentur Zoonar GmbH, Shutterstock

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Conclusion

In short, the cockatiel has a joyful and affectionate character. Tame cockatiels love contacts with their humans and will happily land on the shoulder of their owner for cuddles! When in their cage, they will spend their time feeding, grooming, playing, and calling you.

Her personality will suit adults and children alike, as she is both sweet and fun. It’s also a little show on its own. No doubt, the cockatiel is an adorable little pet bird, and when you know how to spot the signs that she loves you, your relationship only gets better!


Featured Image Credit: ONGUSHI, Shutterstock

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