Are Cockatiels Affectionate? How to Tell If Your Cockatiel Likes You

If you want to raise pet birds in your home, select more affectionate, cheerful, gentle, and active birds to create a warm atmosphere. Perhaps you have thought of cockatiels, but you are asking yourself, “Are cockatiels affectionate?”

Yes, cockatiels are affectionate pet birds that you can have in your home. These species of birds are always gentle and caring, making the best companions. They also like physical affection, like cuddling, with their owners, especially when they have strong bonds.

Furthermore, cockatiels display affection by perching on your arms, chest, and thighs. Cockatiels are always free when they trust you and can do anything to prove their love for you. Similarly, cockatiels show affection by mimicking your voice whenever you speak to them. In most cases, cockatiels are usually fast learners; hence, they master words easily.

Cockatiels also seek attention from their owners. They always love spending more time with their owners for affection and bonding. They hate being left alone in their cages. These birds will let you hold them and scratch their skins smoothly. Sometimes, they will be louder than usual to get your attention.

How Do You Know If Your Cockatiel Likes You?

The following are five ways cockatiels show affection that will help you know if your cockatiel likes you:

1. Perching

Cockatiels show their affection by perching on their owner’s body. Depending on your posture, they mostly perch on your arms, shoulders, chest, thighs, or even back. Also, they may perch and nap on their human owners. This means they trust you and are at peace whenever they are around you.

2. Vocalizing

Cockatiels are pet birds that can talk. They are smart enough to understand and master a phrase. They mimic your voice, especially when interacting with you. They can also sing along when their favorite tune is played. These birds also whistle when playing around you to indicate they are happy.

3. Attention Seeking

Cockatiels are usually attention seekers, especially when they enjoy your company. They can chirp louder than usual to get your attention. In most cases, cockatiels want you to pet and scratch them. They also want to be cuddled, and hence will voluntarily seek your attention.

4. Body Language

Cockatiels also display their affection using their body language, such as by raising their upper body, having enlarged pupils, and raising their crest and jaw feathers.

These are some of the signs that cockatiels use to show affection to their human owners. They are similar to the courtship language they use with their fellow cockatiels of different genders.

5. Regurgitate the Last Meal in Your Hands

Cockatiels usually regurgitate in your hands to show they want to be fed. Although this can be quite repulsive, cockatiels only do it when they like you and have chosen you as their mate.

Do not shout at it; instead, accept it positively and train it to improve next time.

How Do You Tell If Your Cockatiel Is Bonded to You?

Cockatiels are not good at hiding their bonds with their owners. Here are some of the nine things that indicate your cockatiel is bonded to you:

1. They fluff their feathers and bend their heads for rubbing, especially when you are in a relaxed atmosphere.

2. Your cockatiel wants to be near you every time. Usually, it perches on your body and plays with you.

3. They mimic your actions like dancing, singing, talking, etc. They want to be associated with you.

4. It is exciting to see you when you enter the room. You may notice it chirping more often immediately after it sees you.

5. It preens its feathers when it sees you grooming in the morning or at any time.

6. They wish to be petted every time they see you. Hence, they will bend their heads forward and chirp to let them out of their cages.

7. Has warmer feet and feels happy to be with you.

8. It seeks your attention by being loud. It plays with its toys, producing weird and loud sounds, climbs on the cages, whistles, and dances whenever it sees you.

9. Cockatiels tend to scold you through actions or squawking when you have been away from them for too long. This is a sign that cockatiels are bonded with you and miss you when you are far away from them.

Do Cockatiels Show More Affection than Parrots?

Cockatiels show more affection than parrots. Cockatiels are the small birds of the cockatoo family that are well known for their cheerful attitude, affection, and gentleness.

Many owners prefer having cockatiels in their homes, as they make good companions. Furthermore, they are very talkative and active, creating a warm atmosphere in your home.

Are Female Cockatiels More Affectionate?

Yes, female cockatiels are more affectionate than their male counterparts. Most female cockatiels are quiet and timid. They also like to cuddle with their owners. They sometimes show love by singing for you, especially your favorite tunes. Besides, female cockatiels are usually soft and like to be handled delicately.

Do Cockatiels Like Being Cuddled?

Yes, cockatiels like being cuddled more often. They usually lower their heads and fluff their feathers for a rub, especially in a relaxed environment.

Additionally, they perch on your arms or chest and rub against your cheeks or body. These birds form great bonds with their human owners through cuddling to show trust and companionship.

Are Cockatiels More Cuddly than Budgies?

Yes, cockatiels are more cuddly than budgies. Cockatiels love being petted and touched around their ears and crest feathers. They also bend their heads for a rub.

Moreover, they perch and nestle on the bodies of their owners and rub themselves against the cheek or the back. They form a good bond with their owners through cuddling.

Do Cockatiels Love Their Owners?

Cockatiels love their owners, especially when you become friends and spend more time with them.

Cockatiels are very talkative and cheerful; thus, playing with them will also help create a good bond. It is best to always treat them well and form a rapport with them so they trust you and show their love for you.