saying "NO!"

[paulieandme]

paulie is my first cockatiel and he is a rescued bird who is getting better and better every day from his wounds. however, he is getting more and more curious and has discovered my earphone cord, which he seems to be obsessed with! he wants to chew it all to bits. i've given him all the chew toys and other stuff he could possibly want, but what he really seems to want is this one particular cord. he responds to NO very well, but i'm afraid firmingly and loudly saying "NO!" is maybe not good. is it okay to tell him, being a new bird to us and previously mistreated, NO!?

[svolk]

I think it's fine to tell him no - but then again you are giving him a reaction when he's chewing that (I just edited my post to add this). And giving him ANY reaction may be encouraging him. I would try moving him away from the cord and redirecting his attention. When it comes to chewing on buttons or jewelry or wires that are within their reach though - there's no stopping them Whenever our tiel is on me I know I can't wear earrings or my husband can't have cords on him (like laptops cords or video game controller cords) - Lulu is determined and she'll get to the cords if they are on or near us. She won't seek them out though if we are not near or using them. Remote control buttons are also a favorite

[paulieandme]

he's relentless! i can't even distract him from the dang thing! sadly too, i am a medical transcriptionist so i do not have the option to NOT use the cord...i feel like the only thing i can do right now is put him in his cage! which i do not want to do because we keep each other company! i'll keep trying the distraction method! thanks!

[Jannabellsmom]

For some reason my tiel seems to respond better to 'leave it' said in a regular voice, while covering the coveted object with my hand. Just try to be consistant on what is ok or not. I do put Bella in her cage when she won't 'behave'.