How can you get along with your cocktiel?

Question

I just recently bought a cocktiel. How do I get along with it?

Answer 1

Did you get a male or a female? Males sometimes have more of an attitude and it might take longer for them to trust you. I bought my cockatiel on may 4th, it took him over a month to fully trust me, and he still has an attitude from time to time. It can get discouraging when you want to pet them and love them but they dont trust you yet...but dont give up. Commands are good, as someone already said.

I taught my bird "perch". Every time I'd put my finger under him I'd say perch, and pretty soon he learned that command. and every time I put him back in his cage, I say "night night".

Dont give up even when it doesnt seem like your bird is making any progress. Just keep being consistant. cockatiels are very social creatures and your bird is going to need to bond with someone or something. If he doesnt have another bird in the cage with him, he's going to bond with you..it'll just take a while. Don't lose your temper,or it'll take even longer. If your bird wont perch just yet, then spend time sitting next to the cage with your hand inside. talk gently to your bird, let him know that you dont mean any harm. if he perches offer him treats and praise. Spend time with him every day and he'll come around eventually. Also if his wings arent clipped, you'll need to have that done. Its almost impossible to train a bird who can just fly off to get away from you. When it bites you, and it probably will, dont jerk your hand away, and dont yell, because that'll scare your bird even more. if it bites hard, just say "NO" firmly, so he knows not to do this, but keep in mind, when a bird is perching on something, they tend to use their beak as balance, so you'll have to learn the difference between him biting you to get you away from him, and him biting you to perch on your fingers. if it doesnt hurt then chances are he doesnt mean it in an aggressive way, because trust me, when they want it to hurt, it hurts. Some cockatiels take longer than others to become tame and trustful, so patience is needed, but soon enough he'll become your best friend.

Answer 2

It will take time but you will get it. Talk to him every day . Say the same things so that they become familiar phrases which he will one day repeat. Each day attempt to get him to step up onto your finger. Press you finger against his tummy, just above his feet and say "step up". Say his name frequently. Never scream at him, never flick or hit him.

Answer 3

Give him lots of attention so you can build a strong relationship with him/her. Talk to him/her a lot and play and hold it.

Good luck with your new friend!

Answer 4

keep working with him