Help - Aggressive Cockatiel

Hello, my sweet 3 yr old cockatiel, Buddy is sometimes very aggressive. It was bad this past summer, but I thought the winter cold and short days would calm him. Again he is looking for dark hiding places and if we come across him (he gets in a box, closet or drawer) he will lunge out and bite us and will continue until I'm able to get him into his cage, which he doesn't like.

I have spoiled him and he is pretty free around the house. He doesn't want to be in his cage...not even at night. If I put him in the cage he squawks and continually chirps loudly. Now, I have used the cage as a punishment when he gets in his moods. Don't know what else to do.

He's normally very sweet and loving in the morning and evenings. I've tried to block or cover all hiding places he could find. It seems he is looking for a place to nest. Should I clip his wings? I've even thought of getting him a friend. Some advice please?

On page ten of this thread I have several links to behavior articles. http://www.parrotforums.com/general...hare-discuss-scientific-articles-parrots.html

You need to positive reinforce cage time. Lots of putting in get a treat , come right back out get treat and repeat. Attach food and water bowls right to open cage door and only feed him there. Then move inside the cage and still have four open and only feed in cage, then start closing four for short periods. Start having him spend an hour a day inside the cage once you get this positive association with cage working. Make sure their are treats like millet in the cage when you lock him up. Birds like routines and rituals. This behavior took awhile to get established, it will take awhile to rehabilitate it. Do not use cage as punishment while you are working to have positive association with cage.

This is a very good article
https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/stress-reduction-for-parrot-companions/

He is 500% hormonal. Remove ALL access to shadowy spaces and I bet you money that within one week you will see a huge change. This includes drawers, under clothing, under furniture, pillows, low ledges, blankets and ANY HUTS IN THE CAGE.

Only pet on the head and neck and make sure he is getting at least 12 hours of solid sleep each night (if you aren't already).

Curtain tension rods can help if you need to block off a room..

Also, no warm mushy food (at least for now) and make sure that he is getting plenty of activity within decently lit (not too light or too dark) areas during waking hours.