Why do cockatiels nip?

[Vilatus]

I was just petting Iggy and I was wondering about this...

Why do cockatiels nip at you seemingly out of nowhere when seconds ago they were moving their head around to be pet? Generally of course when this happens it isn't painful, it's more of them mouthing you, but still I'm curious.

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[SailBoat]

Hmmm, likely the same reason that Amazons do that! Its all part of the interaction with the World thing!

Only difference is that if an Amazon gets it wrong, you could loose a finger.

 

[Vilatus]

Hmmm, likely the same reason that Amazons do that! Its all part of the interaction with the World thing!

Only difference is that if an Amazon gets it wrong, you could loose a finger.

My Iggy sort of does it when she's like done with you petting her. Maybe though, not like they have hands to interact with things so.

See, I love large parrots, but I'm not sure of ever want to own one because of that. Those are some scary beaks!

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[wrench13]

Thats probably why... done with the petting and scratching.... now what? Look closely at him, there is likely some body language involved however lighting quick. Amazons are easier to read, they have a wind up like a MLB pitcher, quick too but pronounced ( fanned tail, eyes pinned, poofed up). Salty nails me occasionally, but its my fault for not looking closely when I know he is excited .

 

[YUMgrinder]

yea the beaking thing tiels do is just so strange to me too. I get the whole upsidedown head to get stratches then BAM I'm getting beaked before I know it. then it's sweet talk and scratches then fierce beaking again. I figure I'm either not scratching hard enough, or too hard at any given point when I get beaked lol.

 

[Vilatus]

Thats probably why... done with the petting and scratching.... now what? Look closely at him, there is likely some body language involved however lighting quick. Amazons are easier to read, they have a wind up like a MLB pitcher, quick too but pronounced ( fanned tail, eyes pinned, poofed up). Salty nails me occasionally, but its my fault for not looking closely when I know he is excited .

I've tried looking for body language, but it must be too quick for me to pick up. It's one second she's loving it, the next I'm being told to get the hell away haha

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[Vilatus]

yea the beaking thing tiels do is just so strange to me too. I get the whole upsidedown head to get stratches then BAM I'm getting beaked before I know it. then it's sweet talk and scratches then fierce beaking again. I figure I'm either not scratching hard enough, or too hard at any given point when I get beaked lol.

Exactly! One second they're super into it, the next I'm the bad guy for doing something they wanted!!

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[psychocircus91]

Too much, too little, too light, too hard, wrong spot, more to the left, more to the right. Unfortunately we're not birds, so it's hard for us to read and predict. I think another tiel would be more precise and focus on small areas, as well.

 

[MonicaMc]

If I hit a pin feather the wrong way or scritch the wrong way, Casey will be sure to tell me off!! But then, a second later, she's got her head back down for scritches!!!

She can be trained using millet or scritches!

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

I nipping aggravates the crap out of me! BB can sit and talk/sing/whistle on my shoulder for hours,then...BANGBANGBANG!!! on my earlobe He thinks it's his personal boxing bag!
Like 'Boats say's..be glad it's not an Amazon






Jim