why does my cockateil hess?

Question

we just got him and when get to close he hess at you like a snake

Answer 1

It's basically a warning because he's afraid, sometimes also angry. Be very calm, move slowly and always be absolutely gentle and trustworthy. Speak to him in soft, reasssuring tones. He's getting used to you and to a new environment. Think about how scary this is for him and behave appropropriately.

Answer 2

We have a cockatiel in our home, and even though she's been here a while, she'll still hiss at us. The way to show him that it's safe is very simple. As the others have said, singing/whistling is one way. Another couple of ways to help are to put him in a high traffic area, like ours is in the kitchen right now, and doesn't hiss at me nearly as much because that's where I spend most of my time.

The other one is to hold it if it's finger trained. This way, you can pet him and give him reassurance.

Answer 3

Like so many said, it means he's frightened and defensive.

For starters, a new bird should be allowed to sit in the cage for 3 days undisturbed. This allows them time to become accustomed to their new home, both their cage and your residence. If you want to have him covered at night, start that now as well. (It is common to cover the cage with a very light sheet to signify 'it is night, time for bed'.)

After 3 days, he may still hiss at you. Whistle around him, talk softly, but don't push too much too quickly. He just needs to learn that you are one of the 'flock', and not someone that's keeping him around for emergency rations. Offer him treat (Millet works great) to get him to approach you. Also, if he climbs on top of the cage once you let him out, that's a good time to start training him to climb up on your finger. It's important, in my opinion, to let the inside of the cage be his 'safe space'. Also - if he does bite, don't jerk your finger away. Usually when you first get them (young birds) - they don't bite hard. Often they'll just push at your finger with their beak. If they learn your hand goes away when they bite, that will encourage them to continue biting to make something they don't want go away.

Good luck, don't worry there's nothing wrong with your bird. Mine still hiss once and awhile! (But that ususally happens when I wake them up, LoL)

Answer 4

come to club cockatiel fro anwser on all Out Back Birds like cockateils and parakeets be a member


http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cockatielclub/

Answer 5

It souns like he has bene mis-treated. You must take it very slowely and don't push at all! Put your hand in the cage very slowely after she is very used to you and maybe start with a ruler or something instead for a while. it takes a while. Sometimes, a long time but don't quit ,it's worth it.

Answer 6

i have a cockateil too and it hisses when he thinks your going to attack. some just do it when they get angry or if they are thirsty it depends on the way it hisses.

Answer 7

Cockateils do hiss, they always make that kind of noise....But you can teach them to speak if it is young enough....Mine used to say my moms name, and would repeat words if you train them....

Answer 8

Well, he must be being defensive of himself. Later on if he gets attached to you, he will hiss at other people by being protective of you. It's just their way of 'protecting' themselves or their owner.

Answer 9

First things first......what the hell does "hess" mean? LOL

Answer 10

He's scared right now. Just be calm and get to know him at his pace. He will learn to trust you quickly.