If you want cockatiels in your home, you must consider key things like their happiness, diets, health, noise, etc. Nonetheless, loneliness is a factor that affects most bird species, especially when not taken good care of. So, do cockatiels get lonely?
Yes, cockatiels get lonely, especially when they lack another bird’s companion or caretaker. Lonely cockatiels are usually unhappy and sometimes depressed, leading to deteriorated health. Sometimes, lonely cockatiels loudly squawk to get your attention, especially when you do not spend quality time with them.
Similarly, a lonely cockatiel may not play with its toys. In most cases, when cockatiels get lonely, they get stuck in a corner feeling sad and tend to be quieter. Based on scientific research, it is not cockatiels’ nature to stay alone, as birds enjoy being in flocks.
If you have a busy schedule, consider getting your cockatiel a partner of the same species or other small birds like parakeets, also known as budgerigars. Also, pamper your cockatiel by rubbing its feathers on the head and neck since they like being cuddled to create a bond with their caretakers.
Why Do Cockatiels Feel Lonely?
Below are eight reasons why your cockatiel feels lonely:
1. Deprived of attention.
2. Changes in the position of its cage.
3. Losing its favorite toy.
4. The death of its partner.
5. A small cage.
6. Lack of toys and perches in its cages.
7. Poor nutrition.
8. Caged alone without other birds.
How Can You Tell If a Cockatiel Is Lonely?
There are signs and symptoms that show a cockatiel is lonely.
Below is a list of ten signs that can tell you your cockatiel is lonely:
1. Plucking Feathers
A lonely cockatiel usually plucks its feathers to take out its stress. Usually, it over preens to comfort itself, but it hurts itself. Also, a cockatiel plucks its feathers when it gets bored, lacks proper nutrition, or gets bored.
2. Loud Squawks
If a cockatiel gets bored and lonely, it becomes noisy to get your attention. Sometimes, it can even chirp louder than usual to have you check on it. It is, therefore, essential to check on your cockatiel before it does something worse to its body.
3. Loss of Appetite
Cockatiels are active birds with high appetites. Once you notice that your cockatiel is eating fewer feeds than usual, giving it the attention it needs is important. Sometimes, it may fail to eat, thus starving itself due to loneliness. Getting our cockatiel another bird will help curb the situation, especially when it is not sick.
4. Isolation
A cockatiel that isolates itself is usually sick or lonely. Habitually, a lonely cockatiel is generally stuck in the corner of its cage, feeling sad, and usually tucks in its head. This is one of the signs of depression, and it is crucial to have an avian vet check on it before introducing another bird.
5. Self-Mutilation
A lonely cockatiel does not take good care of itself as usual. It injures itself by chewing its skin, which may pave the way for further infection. It can sometimes hit itself on the wall of the cages to remove its stress. It is, therefore, vital to offer medical attention and an excellent company to eradicate loneliness.
6. Aggressiveness
Aggressiveness is a behavior that a cockatiel usually adopts when it feels lonely. These results are due to frustrations, which may result in behaviors like biting, toe-pecking, fights, etc. Talk to your cockatiel to immediately stop the behavior and spend more quality time with it.
7. Change in Sleeping Pattern
Cockatiels are generally good sleepers, spending 12 hours to get enough sleep. However, a lonely cockatiel will adopt a different sleeping pattern, like sleeping the whole day and being awake the entire night. Sometimes, it will sleep for longer hours than usual. This is a sign of depression due to loneliness.
8. Quiet
A lonely cockatiel is usually quiet. They do not talk, sing, or play with their toys and owners. This means your cockatiel is unhappy and missing something to make it active and prayerful. You will also find their toys in the same position as before.
9. Fluffed-up Feathers
A healthy and happy cockatiel usually has smooth and beautiful feathers. On the other hand, a lonely and stressed cockatiel has fluffed-up feathers that are not neatly arranged. This is a sign of depression; your bird needs medical attention immediately. Afterward, you can get a partner or spend more quality time with it.
10. Destructive
Cockatiels that are lonely and sad are very destructive. Mostly, they throw their toys and feed using their beaks and legs to take out their stress. On most occasions, you will find their cages much more messy than usual. Spend time with your bird to know the cause of its problem.
Can One Cockatiel Live Alone and Still Be Happy?
Yes, one cockatiel can live alone and be happy only if given the proper attention required. As a cockatiel caretaker, spending more time with your bird daily is important to make it comfortable and bond.
Besides, cockatiels like being petted by scratching their feathers on the head, neck, and back. Similarly, they like playing with their owners and getting beautiful toys like bells, ladders, etc. Good nutrition is also essential to keep it healthy and happy.
How Long Can You Leave a Cockatiel Alone?
You can leave a cockatiel alone for 5 to 7 hours a day. If you have multiple cockatiels in a cage, you can leave them alone for one to two days.
These birds love attention, and it is always best to spend time playing with and training them. You can also cuddle a cockatiel to form a bond with it.
However, it is also essential to leave them alone to conduct other bird activities and to get enough rest.
Is It Better to Have One Cockatiel or Two?
It is better to have two cockatiels than one, especially with busy schedules. Two cockatiels are less noisy as they do not necessarily need their owner’s attention.
In addition, cockatiels enjoy other birds’ company more than their caretakers, creating a great companion when caged in multiples.
On the other hand, one cockatiel is likely to be lonely and depressed due to a lack of attention.
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