How do I deter a cockatiel from trying to mate with my freinds boyfriend?

[mercedes98]

I have a freind who has a cockateil she has come to me for advice. She has had a cockatiel for 12 years. She has never once had a problem with Smokey wanting to mate or being interested in wanting to mate. Well this year is differant. Every time her boyfreind picks him up he wags his butt. She says that he has found a place on the couch that he guards with his life like it is his nest. If she puts him is his cage all he does is scream. She is frustrated and was wondering if anyone could give her advice on how to stop him from this behavior. And how long this will last. I am a new bird owner and have not had to go through this yet so I don't have any advice for her. I have tried to find stuff on the internet but it is easier to find thing on breeding instead on how to stop them from wanting to breed.

[kensbuns]

Going into breeding mode is something all bird owners have to deal with. However I would try to keep him from that spot on the couch that he likes so much. Does he have somewhere else to play like a play gym? Allegra goes into Amazon overload if I allow him to get onto the floor. He goes to the darkest spot in the house and tries to call me in. I dont own cockatiels but I would try to deter him from getting to that nesting spot of his. I am sure there is someone else here who has Tiels who could help you much more than me. Sorry