How Loud Are Cockatiels? (Read This Before Getting a Cockatiel!)


Possibly you want cockatiels in your house as pets, and you do not want them to distract your neighbors and other concerned parties. Mainly, cockatiels are usually noisy. As an owner, it is important for you to know the sounds your cockatiel is making to administer the right type of attention. In most cases, cockatiels cannot be heard across walls, but sometimes they get louder, thus raising the question, How loud are cockatiels?

Cockatiels are 75 to 80 decibels loud, especially when they are making contact calls. Cockatiels are usually loud, affectionate, playful, and fun pets. Furthermore, they make other noises through a sequence of chirps, occasional chattering, and whistles, which is not too much for humans to tolerate.

Moreover, cockatiels are usually loud when expressing their curiosity, fear, or playfulness. It is also believed that male cockatiels are louder than females. However, do not think that female cockatiels are quiet since they also have a loud way of seeking attention.

In addition, avoid shouting at your cockatiel when it becomes too loud, as it will get angrier and make louder screams.

Why Are My Cockatiels Loud?

Your cockatiels are loud due to the following five reasons:

1. Overstimulated

When your cockatiel is overstimulated by too much noise in the room, like the barking of the dogs, loud television, and music, it tends to become louder so that it can also be heard. It increases the volume to outdo all other voices.

2. Scared

A scared cockatiel is usually louder. Mostly, they produce more noise to alert the rest and scare the predators. They also flapped their wings with a stronger force to be heard. 

Once they make this loud voice, it is essential to ensure that you check what scares them to calm them down.

3. Boredom

Cockatiels are usually louder when they are bored and lonely. They tend to be louder so they can have your attention, and at least help them play with their toys or have fun with music. 

If this is the case, consider getting your cockatiels out of their cages so they can feel free to enjoy the serene environment outside them.

4. Playfulness

Cockatiels are social and active birds that love playing with their owners, mates, or even their toys. When they are enjoying their plays, they tend to be louder as a sign of their happiness.

5. Reflection

If cockatiels see themselves in a mirror, they become louder. They even express their happiness by flapping their wings.

Similarly, they make louder noises when they see another cockatiel from a distance.

Are Cockatiels Too Loud for Apartments?

No. Actually, cockatiels are quiet for apartments. Primarily, these birds are only too loud occasionally, but their voice is usually as low as 2–6 kHz on normal occasions.

However, cockatiels sometimes get louder, thus raising the question, Are cockatiels good for apartments?

Yes, cockatiels are good for apartments. Typically, cockatiels mimic humans’ voices and therefore have voices that cannot penetrate through the walls; thus, your neighbors will not hear this voice.

Similarly, they are very small birds; thus, their noise cannot be too loud to be a distraction for sensitive neighbors.

Moreover, you can also train your cockatiel to be active but less noisy to avoid troubling your neighbors with cockatiel noise.

Which Is Louder, Budgie, or Cockatiel?

Cockatiels are louder than budgies. Cockatiels can make loud voices of up to 80 decibels. Nevertheless, cockatiels only make noise at specific times of the day, like during sunrise and sunset. 

On the other hand, budgies tend to make noise at regular times as they chatter with their mates. 

In addition, cockatiels are larger than budgies and, thus, louder than small budgies.

Do Cockatiels Make a Lot of Noise?

Cockatiels make a lot of noise when chirping, whistling, and chattering with other birds. 

They also tend to be louder when expressing curiosity, fear, boredom, playfulness, and other contact calls. 

Once you hear these sounds, it is important to administer the right attention rather than shouting at them.

Do Cockatiels Make Noise at Night?

No, cockatiels do not make noise at night. Mostly, they are tired by evening and want to sleep soundlessly. 

However, if you hear your cockatiels making noise at night, it is important to check out the problem, as this is very unusual for them. On normal occasions, cockatiels only make noise at sunrise and sunset.

How Often Do Cockatiels Make Noise?

Cockatiels make noise throughout the day as they engage themselves in different activities. They also make noise when the sun rises and sets. 

Additionally, they make specific noises when people frequently enter and exit the room. This makes them curious to know what is happening, therefore making noise for your attention.

Do Cockatiels Scream at Night?

Yes, cockatiels can scream at night, especially in total darkness. They scream out loud as a way of expressing their terror. 

At this point, it is vital to light up their cage to prevent cockatiels from hurting themselves and flapping their wings.

Moreover, cockatiels may also scream at night when they are experiencing nightmares. It is important to check on your cockatiels and calm them down so that they can stop screaming. 

Avoid shouting, as this will scare them even more.

Why Is My Cockatiel Screaming at Me?

Your cockatiel is screaming at you because it is lonely and bored. Usually, cockatiels scream at you to get your attention, and you reward them with your company. 

They may want to play with you, or they may want to eradicate all the negative energy.

Why Do Cockatiels Hiss at You?

Cockatiels hiss at you when they are disgruntled and uncomfortable. Mainly, a happy cockatiel chirps and mimics you every time. 

It is, therefore, a great concern when your cockatiels hiss as they convey irritation, scaredness, or distress.

How Do You Calm Down a Cockatiel?

Below are six tips to help you calm down a cockatiel:

1. Avoid yelling at your bird.

2. Stick train your cockatiel.

3. Offer their favorite treat.

4. Get it out of its cage for freedom and play.

5. Move gently when approaching it.

6. Provide stimulation like toys, music to listen to, and a TV to watch.

Related Articles

Things to Know About Cockatiels

How to Calm a Stressed Cockatiel

Why Is My Male Cockatiel Attacking the Female 

Signs of Illness in Cockatiels

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