I know its a little weird to post about parrots on this website but I use it a lot for my ducks so I'd thought it might be helpful for this too. So, I've had my cockatiel Maui for almost 6 months, and he still hates me. when I got him I had done all the research, had a cage ready, had the right food, it's just that I bought him from petco. Ive heard too many stories about them abusing and mistreating their animals and Im sure he was mistreated too. He just looked so depressed with 1 toy in his little cage that I had to get him.
I believe I did everything right when I brought him home. I left him alone, and when I interacted with him it was soft spoken, small interactions. I fed him treats and showered him with toys. He is very comfortable now and flies all around my room, but he still hates me! I've definitely seen improvement, he doesnt cower to the corner of his cage like he used to, but he still hisses when I walk by his cage. He's always exposed to me since his cage is in my room, but he won't let me interact with him at all. He occasionally flies to my bed when I'm eating or just on my phone, but any movement from me and he flies back to his cage. He definitely tolerates me but will never let me near him. Not with a treat, not with a stick.
Anyways, I'm getting a little off topic. I need any tips to show him I'm not a threat and to gain his trust. I know this takes time, especially since he has had a rough past with people. I'm willing to take years to gain his trust, but learning a few tips to make it go faster wouldn't hurt.
I believe I did everything right when I brought him home. I left him alone, and when I interacted with him it was soft spoken, small interactions. I fed him treats and showered him with toys. He is very comfortable now and flies all around my room, but he still hates me! I've definitely seen improvement, he doesnt cower to the corner of his cage like he used to, but he still hisses when I walk by his cage. He's always exposed to me since his cage is in my room, but he won't let me interact with him at all. He occasionally flies to my bed when I'm eating or just on my phone, but any movement from me and he flies back to his cage. He definitely tolerates me but will never let me near him. Not with a treat, not with a stick.
Anyways, I'm getting a little off topic. I need any tips to show him I'm not a threat and to gain his trust. I know this takes time, especially since he has had a rough past with people. I'm willing to take years to gain his trust, but learning a few tips to make it go faster wouldn't hurt.
