For Christmas I got a 3 month old hand-fed, and completely tame, Cockatiel. The first few days she was rather quiet, but after that she warmed up to me she only made those high-pitched squeaks, you know, just the normal noise that a Cockatiel would make.
But for about the past week, her crest has been flat against her head just about 95% of the time, and she is constantly making this grumbled, scratchy, crying-like noise. It sort of sounds like the noise baby cockatiels make when they are begging for food. She only does this noise when humans are in sight. I would have assumed that she's just begging for food, but she has some in her cage at all times and water as well.
I also tried taking her out and playing with her, in case she was just asking for attention. This also doesn't work, she continues to act like she's angry and upset at everyone. She does not bite or hiss though if I pick her up or touch her.
Why is she making this noise? I'm worried she's sick or is in some sort of constant pain. In the photo you will see her crest is flat and she looks very grumpy. I just don't know why! Help!