Taming a cockatiel

[PennyM16]

So I just got this cockatiel today (pretty sure she’s a female but I don’t know) she’s about a year old but she’s extremely skittish, any tips on taming a cockatiel?

Thanks in advance!

 

[Crazy Maizie]

Cute, hope you get an answer.

 

[JaeG]

It will take her awhile to calm down. Moving house is always hard for them as they definitely recognise familiar people and are often skittish with strangers.

I would start out by leaving her in her cage where she'll feel most confident and just sit close by and talk to her, or just sit next to her and read a book or do something quiet if you feel like talking to her directly is making her nervous. She'll get used to your presence and start to relax.

Try and figure out what treats she likes, whether it's greens, or millet. Ours love cornflakes and rice bubbles as a treat, but if she's never had them before it might take awhile for her to try new foods. Once you know what she likes you can try and hand feed them to her, keeping that as a special treat she can only get from you.

Just be patient and use food as bribery to win her over.