My new cockatiel!

[Sassymygirl]

Well, for my b-day, my aunt gave me a Cockatiel yesterday

I named him Tré (after the drummer for Green Day) He's a gray male. Loves to make noise and play with his toys. He's still kinda scared of me.

He's...5 months I think. Got any tips you can share? I've had parakeets in the past, and I have 2 at the moment.

 

[Chicky Tocks]

Spend lots and lots of time with him! Slowly put your hand in the cage and leave it there really still. If he's calm, slightly move your hand to one of his toys in the cage, like a bell. Tinkle the bell a little bit and then make your hand still. He might tinkle the bell too. Whistling lightly while your hand is inside of the cage is also pleasant for pet birds. Do this everyday, several times a day and before you know it, he'll be sitting on top of his cage and playing in a birdy playground. Just go slow.

Congratulations! And Happy Birthday!

 

[Bantimna]

Spend lots of time with him, feed him treats, and sometimes talking nonsense gets them talking and soon warming up to you. Also call him by his name often and let him know that he is Tré.

 

[Sassymygirl]

Okay, thanks. When I put my hand in here, he moved away and just looks at it and doesn't move. When I move just a little, he freaks. I guess he just needs some "getting used to"

 

[Chicky Tocks]

Yes, you're going to have to take it slowly. For now, just putting your hand in the cage and letting it sit still, will get him used to you being close to him. Before you start touching things inside the cage, maybe wiggle a finger from where your hand is. Don't move the hand it'self, just a single finger. Eventually you'll be able to touch a toy, or maybe his longest tail-feathers without him freaking out. Also, some soft singing might lift his mood a little. Good luck! Just go slowly. It does take time.

 

[Iluvmypeeps]

I own two male gray cockatiels myself, so I not only read a lot, but I have had experience.

You are supposed to wait a couple of days beore trying to get the bird out of the cage, unless the bird signals that he wants out sooner than that. You must remember what a bird goes through when it is placed in a new home. Imagine his life right now; he is happy and comortable in one home for awhile, and suddenly he is moved to a completely new environment with different people and a different schedule. Imagine the stress on the bird. So let him adjust before beginning to do any serious training or interaction.

For now, just sit by the cage and chat with him. Let him know you're not a threat, and that you just want to hang out with him. I recommend opening his cage door, and letting him crawl out and play on top of his new home. This always calms my birds down, and they just love to sit up there.

I also recommend supplying him with a teaspoon or two of molting supplement on top of his normal seed mixture. Molting or not, this is a great stress reliever. It is packed with a few essential nutrients, and helps promote healthy feather growth. But don't use this as his sole source of food, nor should you fill the entire cup with it. Remember, he needs fresh ruits and vegetables daily. Wash them well, and supply a good variety. I have a 'bird salad' that I mixed up for mine, and I pour it on a plate when I need it. Mix up any veggies you want in your salad.

I hope this helps!