Hissing baby wont leave his food perch?

Question

I have a baby cockatiel who I just adopted. He likes to stay on his plastic food perch all the time. when I reach in to give him a treat and to hold him, he just hisses at me. His cage is full of wonderful wood perches and toys, but he doesn't seem interested. He is singing and eating alright, so I don't think he is sick. What should I do to make him more approachable and playful? He is only 11 weeks old.

Answer 1

if u have recently got him, then he is just scared. u might try birdtricks.com they have information on this. try rewarding him with space bcz u are rushing him. his hissing means get away so try to stop where he starts hissing and wait until he stops, then leave the room wait then go back and try again. this should allow u to get closer and closer each time, but don't leave until he stops. eventually u will make the experience very positive until u can touch and pick him up. Never hit him, he will be scared forever! after u finally get him to let u touch him then try to integrate the treat and the hand feeding will also help the situation. All-inall he leeds his space, i know he is new and u want to play with him and teach him things, well here's your first chance teach him to like ppl and their attention. then u can move on but u must have his trust first. i hope this helps.

Answer 2

I think he may just be afraid. I have a parrot rescue and many of the birds we adopt out need to settle in for a little while before they are comfortable. I would say take him out (even if he does not want to) and just hold him and let him settle on you. Just do something like watch TV and just let him sit with you and he will feel more comfortable. Then once he is comfortable with you put him on top of his cage and let him climb in and find his own place. Remember, just like humans you may have a favorite chair or couch to sit in. He may have a favorite spot in the cage. My sun conure did the same thing.  Check out this website: http://www.petlvr.com/blog/2008/02/accli...

Any questions email me.

Jen