I have a male cockatiel (not exactly sure how old he is.. less than a year). I've had him for about 3 or 4 months but he still won't even sit on my finger. When I put my hand in the cage he's quite calm and doesn't fly around but as soon as i get within about 5cm of him he'll start to edge away and then climb up the cage. I feel really bad because he never gets let out of the cage, but I don't think I'd be able to get him back in if I let him out...please help! I've never had a bird so any advice at all would be appreciated.
2007-06-09 00:10:15 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
Your cockatiel will adjust to his new surroundings in about 8-12 days. Don't make any sudden movements or loud noises during this time. Speak to your new bird in a quiet, clear voice when feeding him. After he becomes accustomed to your household schedule and his feeding times, you can begin the first stages of taming and training. Only one person in your home should train your cockatiel at first; two or more and you'll confuse him.
You can begin by offering your bird a few seeds or a millet spray out of your hand. Be patient and calm and encourage your bird with soothing words. To assist in training, the wing feathers should be cut so that the bird can't fly out of your hand.
As your cockatiel settles into your household routine, his natural curiosity and friendliness will allow you to teach him a variety of tricks
2007-06-09 00:20:34 · answer #1 · answered by m_soulliere 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Here is the way I tame/train my birds. It works well.
Cut back on the bird's food (but please do not starve the bird). When you are going to have the bird come out of it's cage, take the food dish out about 5 minutes before hand (birds constantly think about food) and hold the food dish or some food in one hand. With the other hand, open the cage door and let the bird come out on it's own. Hold your free hand up to the bird and the hand with the food close enough so that the bird can see that you have it, but the bird can not reach it unless it steps onto your hand and give the "Step Up" command (or whatever command that you want to use for this). Once the bird steps, even one foot onto your hand, give it a couple of nibbles of food as a reward. The bird will soon learn that it is ok to step onto your hand and will readily do so. Remember that time, patience, trust, and consistency are the keys in taming/training birds.
I have done this with birds that have been abused and unsocialized also.
2007-06-09 14:25:36 · answer #2 · answered by karmor_22 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hello Jess. It's good that you have a male cockatiel becuase I think that they make the best pets (in my opinion), and it's good that he's still young as this will make it easier to train him. Don't stress about the situation. You have to be firm with the bird and make sure you put your finger under his belly and say up. If he doesn't respond at first keep at it. Tempt him with his favourite treat like silverbeet or sunflower seeds and keep at it. Don't be afraid to get him out of his cage, just make sure all of the windows and doors are shut and there are no spaces where he can crall behind. Let him have a run around on the floor and have a forage around, just keep a close eye on him. When he starts to look bored of running around, try to get him to step up on your finger and persist! Don't worry if he backs away... tempt him again. Eventually you will see results, and you will be quite surprised how quickly he will respond. I am facing as similar circumstance with my new Alexandrine parrot and she has already bonded with me just within the day! I hope this helps you :-)
2007-06-09 07:26:45 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Just takes time, mine seldom goes in his cage now, except to sleep and get a drink of water. He eats on top of his cage, because I always keep food there for him. He climbs in and out on his own, but if he gets sleepy in the daytime, he likes to sleep in a shoe box. They are snoopy little birds and like to invesigate, so be prepared for him to go under furniture, etc. Once he starts coming out of his cage, and walking on the floor, you will have to be very careful not to step on him. By the way, they like to chew, so you will have to keep an eye on him.
2007-06-09 19:10:47 · answer #4 · answered by Joan H 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my cousin had a cockatiel and that was a moody bird it acted the same way!!! She used to just reach in and grab him but it might have really ticked the bird off!!! You could try that but you might want to be on the safe side!!! You might end up with a mentally warped bird!!!
2007-06-09 07:17:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
you have to really get freindly with him first, cos if u get him out
YOU WILL NEVER GET HIM BACK IN
they get real scared, ive got a budgie, i rarely let him out, cos when i do he goes mad and flys around the room real rough and has crashed into the wall, so i leave him in the cage and hes real happy there anyway
youve gotta really get him to not b scared of u, keep playing with him with your hand in the cage, feed him lettuce leaves from your fingers too
good luck
2007-06-09 07:17:18 · answer #6 · answered by ROCKMUM LOVES BOWIE 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋