bored cockatiel

[Jaz]

hiya every1,
i need some advice bout my cockatiel, he is hand reared and 3years old, he has a habit of gnawing on his back all the time, i have tried several different toys, changing his cage around, he gets let out for most of the day when me or my partner are at home but he still gnaws, is this a sign of bored or has it turned into a habit, i would like to know if any1 has anymore suggestions for me to help him as i do not want to put him in an avairy as he is lovely.
thanxs jaz

[cherylrowland]

I will have Pat Tucker, our behaviorist, contact you. It sounds like you are doing everything right as far as toys, etc.

[White Wolf]

Although I agree that Pat would be the best person to get a responce form, I am just going to throw a thought in here. Cockatiels have a gland just above their tail that they use to "rub" oil all over themselves for waterproofing. How long have you noticed the behaviour? This may be all it is. Anyhow I would definately talk to Pat about this, but ask her about the tail gland too. Ruth

[Pat Tucker]

Hi, I just saw your email.

This is a problem that I've seen periodically in cockatiels. There is more than one reason for this to happen. It sometimes begins when there is an ingrown feather or a trauma to a feather and the bird initially is trying to get it out and then the behavior is rewarded with attention and it becomes a habit. I board a cockatiel that is 17 years old. The bird was purchased by this man when he was single and in college. He then got married and when the first child arrived, he wasn't getting as much attention, so he began to pick at one place on his back. They have to have a collar on him when they are home because the mere sight of his favorite human (the man) put him into a frensy. When the bird, Petie, comes here, he never picks at all. The reason for this is that, although I bred him and see him often, I am not his 'chosen mate'. If one of you is the chosen mate, he may be doing this to get your attention.

Another reason for this to occur would be physiological, rather than psychological in that the bird may have some type of infection or parasite that is causing him discomfort. A trip to your Avian Vet will determine if this is a physical illness or strictly emotional in nature.

Yet another reason for this type of behavior is hormonal. It happens when the bird is producing sex hormones released from the pituatary gland at the base of the brain. Instictively, the bird wants to choose a mate, find a nesting site, copulate, and raise young. In a pet situation, a human is the chosen mate and the bird can become frustrated when their 'human' doesn't act like a cockatiel and go to nest with them.

The remedy for this type of situation is very difficult. A collar placed on the bird by your Vet could help to alleviate this situation until the place on the back is healed. They will tolerate and even become accepting of the collar in time, but don't like it one be initially. The other way to fix this would be if it is an infection/parasite and the bird is medicated, but even if this is the case, habits can be formed and a collar may need to be used in the beginning to break the habit.

I'll check back later today in case you want to discuss this further, or you could email me directly at: [e-mail]

[Just Ask Jan!]

By gnawing to you mean grooming his feathers, or does he have a sore in one spot and he is picking on that?
Jan

[jaz]

hi
thanxs for allo the feedbck am going get him in to see the vet,
with reards to the gnawing he is doing it in one spot we have used anti parasite spot on on him from the vets as well as shop brought he did belong to my mum orginally
jaz

[cherylrowland]

Jaz,

I'm glad that we were able to help you out. I would like to give you an invitation to become a member of Talk About Tiels.