Sitemaps

Why does my male cockatiel bob his head up and down2007-11-24 17:27:34

I've had my cockatiel for about 6 months now and i noticed he likes to play around the mirror. Sometimes after he sings he goes to the mirror and bangs his beak (in an up and down motion) against it. He also bobs his head freely whenever he is out of the cage. Can someone explain to me why he does this?

Answers:

Because he think the mirror is a mate and he is wooing it.

---

It's part of the mating game, you may also see him bring food back up, he is not sick, he is feeding the bird in the mirror. That's bird for "oh baby I love you!!"

---

All Cockatiel's do this no matter what gender! Trust me I have had about 7 Cockatiel's in the past and they all do this 2 entertain tem selfs! They even do it when being held!

---

He sees you as a mommy. I love it when they do that

---

My cockatiels did this too. I was told they were happy. They were getting the love they needed. Sounds like you are doing a great job,

---

usually hand feds do this, that is begging for food

---

i was just reading up on cocatiel and it was mention that they do that bobing thing when they are excited and happy, if u want and think u can handle another animal go for it i have 4 love birds it will keep his company while u r not at home or sometimes when u don't have the time to sit and play with ur animal so go ahead and knock urself of it will be good 4 u and the birdy

enjoy

---

From what you are describing it sounds like hes just happy :) cockatiels as well as some others have a tendency to overbond with the friend in the mirror. If this becomes an issue where its hard to clean his cage without getting bit because hes protecting the friend in the mirror or where you cant interact with you because hes more intrested in the friend in the mirror then you might consider removing the mirror and replacing it with a different toy he finds exciting. If these arnt an issue Then Id let him be. He sounds quite happy :)