Why does your cockatiel hump his perch?

Answer 1

It is possible that the claws may be too long and need to be clipped. Special clippers for birds can be purchased from most pet stores, however care must be taken not to cut through the quick of the nail.

Alternatively, vets offer to clip nails of different animals safely for a small fee.

Ways to avoid nails growing to long can be to provide at least one branch with a birdsafe sandpaper cover (also found at most pet stores) which can help file down the nails on a daily basis without causing the bird any distress.

I don't suggest covering every branch, however, as it can cause some discomfort to the soles of their feet.

Answer 2

There are two possibilities. First, he may have something near or in his cloaca that is bothering him. Sometimes a dropping will stick to the feathers near the vent and the bird will try to rub it off because it will pull on the feathers as it dries. If you notice droppings stuck to your bird's vent feathers frequently, he may be having loose watery droppings, which is a sign of illness. The other possibility is that he is trying to stimulate himself sexually. This is very common for most kinds of parrots, both male and female, and is nothing to worry about unless he is rubbing himself bald. If this kind of behavior upsets you, you can try to re-arrange his cage so that it is harder for him to position himself over the toy or perch that he is rubbing against. As a last resort you can take the toy away for a few months and give different toys to play with. Don't try to get him a mate just to stop this behavior, unless you are prepared to be a responsible and informed breeder. Chances are, you would end up with unwanted chicks, and he would probably still be rubbing against things.

Answer 3

Both genders of cockatiels are prone to masturbation. This is completely normal and nothing to worry about.

Answer 4

This could be a sign of severe illness. Take the Tiel to an avian vet.

Answer 5

Because it is ill or is sitting in a cold draft.

Answer 6

He has to use what he has.