Yesterday I got an 8th month old Cockatiel from this guy at a Pet Store. This is my first bird ever so I was told to make sure I got a hand fed one. Will the guy told me that he hand fed this bird and that it was tame. So, I bought the Cockatiel, took him home, and tried to pet him while he was in his cage and the poor bird went crazy! He started flying around his cage trying to get away from my hand, which I left still hoping he would calm down, but he never did calm down until I left. Then I tired again today and the same thing happened. I tried to give him a treat this time through the bars of his cage and he went crazy. He hissed at me once but never attempted to bite me. So my question is, is my Cockatiel just nervous because of the new environment or is he not really tamed, and if he isn't, how would I go about taming him?
2007-01-08 09:46:01 · 11 answers · asked by Stephie 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
Yeah, the guy told you that HE got along with the bird, but didn't bother to advise you how the bird would get along with you.
There's a book out called "Cockatiels for Dummies". I would highly recommend this book. You can also get books at the library that will give you a broad spectrum of ways to tame your bird.
Talking in a soft quiet voice, standing or sitting away from the cage for about 30 minutes 3 or 4 times a day will get your bird used to you and your presence. Once you establish that, you can move on to handling the bird. I wouldn't try to grab it or stress it out any more than necessary. Learn how to teach your bird to "Step up". This is the first lesson in bonding with your bird and being able to handle it.
Birds have a tendency to relate stressful situations, pain or other unpleasant experiences with the one it sees the last time it felt one of these emotions. If you establish calmness with the bird, by sight first, the taming will be a piece of cake.
Any time I take one of my cockatiels or parrots to the vet, they put a towel over it's face and take it to the back, so the bird doesn't see me and think I am the one who hurt it or did something he didn't like, thereby preserving the bond with me and the bird... essentially making the veterinarian the "bad guy".
You need to establish a bond with your bird. Visual first, then move on to the handling. Get the book. You won't be disappointed. It will help you tremendously.
:-)
2007-01-08 15:05:28 · answer #1 · answered by ruby_jazmin 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think the bird may just be scared, my cockatiel did the same thing when we brought him home. first let the bird get used to its surroundings; when he seems more settled talk to him softly so that he can get used to your voice. You might then want to put your hand in the cage with a treat, while talking soothingly to the bird. Let him get used to your hand being in the cage. When he gets used to your hand, you might to teach him to step up onto your finger. Praise the bird!! NEVER HIT or SCREAM at the bird. It needs to learn to trust you and birds dont forget that easily. Take your time and be patient, it will be worthwhile in the end and your pet will love getting and giving attention!! All the best for the training!!!
2007-01-09 23:49:49 · answer #2 · answered by Lemmy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think your bird sounds nervous, and needs time to adjust to his new surroundings. Also he may have been handled by the breeder but once at the pet store he may not have been socialized very well, that was my experience with a sun conure we purchased a few months ago ...... she is hand tamed but once at the store she wasn't socialized well. she came around but it had to be on her terms, she needed to feel safe and comfortable. Now she is a very sweet bird, she will go to anyone who is willing to give her attention, but due to the poor socialization she had at the pet store she is still a little skittish, she has to come to you, you cannot reach into her cage, and she startles easy. I think given time to adjust your cockatiel will adjust wonderfully!
2007-01-08 13:39:15 · answer #3 · answered by mismagic_99 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i own a cockatiel and he's about a year old... and he's the sweetest thing. he is hand fed and will sit on my shoulder and loves to be pet. but.. when he is in his cage - i cannot reach in to get him - he goes bananas... i feel that it's his domain.. his safe place. and he doesnt want anyone taking that from him.. what i do, is leave his cage open and let him get out on his own and then i get him.. that has always worked for me... also, when i first got him - he was kindly nervous.. let him get used 2 u.. talk 2 him very sweet.. i always say "pretty boy... yes you are... such a pretty bird..".. he likes it, and it seems to make him feel special.. i hope this helps.
2007-01-10 10:52:58 · answer #4 · answered by Jessie. 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some birds take a while to adjust to new owners but this particular bird sounds as if it has not been hand tamed. I reccomend buying a good book on taming. Please don't buy any of these online books that promise that your bird will be 'eating out of your hand in 2 days' they are complete poppycock. It will take a lot of time, care and attention to hand tame this bird. Good luck!!
2007-01-08 12:07:19 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Your new Cockatiel REALLY needs to have time to get used to his new surroundings. They are social birds, yet quite routine ones. I took in a tiel almost 10 years ago, but before, I read up on them. It took at least 2 weeks of the same routine for him to get used to his surroundings before he finally ventured out on his own. After that it was him staking out the house on his own without any int eruptions from me. Then a ways later putting a lot of fruits and veggies out, it wasn't till I ate from a TV tray one day that he came to my hand, climbed up my arm and wanted the pasta that I was eating. He has been a joy ever since. I did not know if my tiel was tame until this. It takes some time but you have a friend for life.
2007-01-09 03:50:41 · answer #6 · answered by lin 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
The guy might have hand fed the cockatiel, but it sounds like he didn't tame it or socialize it at all. You got duped. Sorry!
2007-01-08 14:41:14 · answer #7 · answered by Kimmie 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
More than likely, he just needs some time to adapt to his new home and surroundings. Let him be for a couple of days, and he will likely settle down, also be sure to leave his cage door open, and he will eventually come out on his own, when he realizes he is safe, and more used to you... Good Luck--- birdman
2007-01-08 13:54:44 · answer #8 · answered by birdman1890 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Did you see the guy handle the bird, before you purchased it? That's something you should always do. If the bird is tame around him, then you'd know it's just the new enviroment that's stressful.
2007-01-08 09:49:26 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
he is probably nervous. also, his cage is his home and he may be territorial about it. you may want to leave the cage door open and let him come out on his own and then try and approach him (with treats! slowly! talk softly!) when he is not inside his cage. he may not come out right away. try to spend a lot of time with him, around the cage, talking to him, letting him see you and get used to your movements and presence. then, when he gets comfortable, he will be more likely to come out.
if he does not start to warm up to you in a week or two, you may want to try to return him to the breeder.
2007-01-08 09:51:34 · answer #10 · answered by Jessica 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋