Cockatiel body language

Question

I have a new Cockatiel and he isnt tame. Everytime I say something to him or to someone else in the room that is above a whisper, gives his head a quick shake. Is this normal? What should I do. Thanks!

Answer 1

Yes, it's normal.  I have an African grey, and when he gets nervous or scared he does the exact same thing...

Answer 2

It's his way of saying he's annoyed or that your being too loud. My bird did that exact same thing. Also, observe the crest. It's also another useful body language indicator.

Answer 3

He's not used to the sound of your voice and it's irritating to him.  It's like moving in next to a train track, at first it's loud and irritating but eventually you get used to it and it's not so irritating and you can handle that sort of sound.