Anti-social cockatiel....what to do?

Question

Someone gave me a cockatiel that had been severely mistreated. He bites, screeches, and is very unfriendly. I love birds, and I keep hoping that I can make a difference, but I have had him for about a year and nothing has changed. I've been told that it's too late, and nothing can be done. He loves my female cockatiel, who is too old to mate. If the female is out of his sight, he goes berserk and screams. What can I do when the female dies, and he won't allow me to get close to him? Will kindness and patience eventually pay off?

Answer 1

It might pay off and it might not. It really depends. I've rescued 5 of my 6 tiels and the first 2 I have are by far the least social. The male (unknown age) will not let me handle him.
I used to be sad about that but honestly, he's in a better home now and won't be treated like he used to be. That in itself should be a reward.
Any cockatiel you get will have it's own personality and just because you get him young, doesn't mean he'll be social and just because you get an older one doesn't mean it won't be social.

I got another one from a girl who said that he was not a love bug. He sure is one with one. He loves to be on my shoulder and get scritches.

There are never guarantees with pets. You did a great thing by taking him out of that bad situation. Be content with that : )

Answer 2

No kindness and patience will not pay off in my experience.
But a young female will!!!!!!!!
Look if rescue is important, sometimes you have to forget being thanked and live with the fact that you have done the right thing!
I have had some birds, even doves, that will NEVER be tamed to a hand.
I have also had cats that remain Ferrel after neutering and good food.

Puerto Rican rescue dogs that will never socialize .

Some stuff, you might just have to accept .
But remember, YOU are doing something GOOD for an animal that was HARMED by HUMANS, you are making amends for the rest of us JERKS!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS!!!!!!!!!

Answer 3

What are we, mind readers? Can't you love him just for being himself? Does he HAVE to "repay" your love?

When you start accepting him just the way he is and stop trying to make him love you, he'll be able to relax. So what if he loves the female? Let him. It's only fair he be allowed to prefer his own species. She understands him far more than you ever will. That doesn't mean he doesn't appreciate the fact that he is in a decent home that does not have abuse. It's only been a year! He could have been abused for 8 years or something before he came to you. That won't go away overnight.

Let him have his own personality. You didn't get the birds as love slaves, did you? And if you have been told "it's too late and nothing can be done" then why are you even asking? Why would you take the word of strangers who have never even seen your bird or met him?

Answer 4

When you put your hand in the cage have a slice of apple. When he goes to bit you he will bite apple and maybe decide your hand isn't all that bad. If nothing changes you can towel him and hold him to you, talking low and try to scratch his head. This may help to tame him. Does the female let you touch her? If she does this would help too. If nothing helps, get him a new friend when the female dies. I suggest getting a tame one from a breeder that has been handfed. This will give you a bird you can interact with and help teach the other one you are nice.

Answer 5

Birds are extremely social creatures, treat him well while the female is still living, and when she dies, he will be driven by the need for social interaction toward you, I had a similar experiance with an abused macaw, though while the other parrot was with him he remained far from me, on a hunch I seperated them and 5 days later he would approach me, within two weeks he was perching on me, when I put them back together he was fine

Answer 6

try using a garden glove when trying to interact.
When he bites he is just looking to see your reaction, DO NOT ALLOW HIM TO SEE A REACTION! It's a game and he will think he's won. You need to first use a glove and he will see that the biting does work. try music next to there cage in the morning and allow him to fly free for a couple hours. And put his breakfast on his cage. I give my tiels scrammbled eggs and toast and some leafy greens.
If the female dies, seems like he would miss he and probably need another companion.
That is your call!
Tiels live up to 25-30years.

Answer 7

hmm poor little tiel.Here is a site that may help you out.
definative guide to the cockatiel. Just google it .or goolgle parrot tricks or taming.I don't believe its to late but you will have to work on building up trust.

Answer 8

FIRST OFF I THINK IT IS GREAT THAT YOU ARE PUTTING THE EXTRA EFFORT INTO SOMETHING LIKE THIS, I THINK IT WILL IN FACT PAY OFF EVENTUALLY. DESPITE WHAT SOME PEOPLE LIKE D WHO THINK THEY ARE BETTER THAN EVERYONE ON HERE THINK.. I THINK SHE IS THE ONE WHO NEEDS THE EXTRA LOVE LOL!!!!!