How can I reward my Cockatiel when he whistles back?

Question

I have taught my 3 year old Cockatiel how to whistle at me and I try to give him a treat when he does but he doesn't let me give it to him he shys away.....I barely got him and he learned in 2 hours how to imitate me and he even trys to say words but not sure what he is saying sounds like OhOh I said OhOh when I dropped alittle water from his dish as I gave it to him and said it only once and sounds like that is what he is saying.

Answer 1

If my cockatiel did a trick, I would reward her with spray millet. You know, the long brownish vine that is made of seeds. Thats what I would give MY cockatiel, if she did something that deserved a treat.

Answer 2

say good boy. Thats What I do and Now they say goodboy.

Answer 3

haha the funny thing is most people dont realize that cockatiels can talk.. mine talks and says over 50 phrases... just say things over and over... he will get it and for a reward try a banana mine loves banana.... mine says things like "good morning doodles"  or austin loves grandma.. or juan is an *** hole.. or pretty bird.. or he whistles and says come here boys.. (calling the dogs) and he there soo much more...  its pretty funny some of the things they pick up..  mine really starts talking when you put him in front of a mirror.. he thinks he has to show off for the "other bird" LOL

also i have herd that if you want a bird to talk you shouldnt teach it to whistle first because thats all it will pick up.. but im not sure since mine does both.. however he learned to talk before whistle...

Answer 4

You can leave the treat in his cage. Also just tell him he is a good bird and how happy you are. My birds love it when the get praised

Answer 5

Remove the sunflower seed from your birds daily diet. Then after a few days without any they will come readily to get their sunflower treat. It is best to teach a cockatiel to speak before you teach them to whistle. Once a bird learns to whistle it is hard to teach it to speak. Words are harder for him to mimic than whistling. They are good talkers but it takes time and patience.

You should purchase a book about Cockatiels. One I reccomend is Coacatiel Handbook by THF

It will make your bird's life much better.

Answer 6

He likes 'uh oh' so keep repeating this.

If he won't take the treat, just tell him 'good boy'

Answer 7

Shake your head up and down, birds like this.