I've got a new cockatiel...?

Question

Ok, I just got my new (and very first) cockatiel yesterday. I don't think he's eaten much, and hasn't slept much either. Is this normal for a new and adjusting cockatiel?

When should I try to take him out of the cage? When should I start hand taming him?

Answer 1

Yes, this is what "new" birds do. By nature, birds are very cautious creatures, they are a prey species so they need to be cautious (so they don't become another animal's dinner). Give him 2-7 days to adjust (depending on how long it takes him to become calm and eat normally), then you can take him out.

How tame is this bird? How old is this bird? If he was bought as a baby he should already have been taught the "step up". All responsible breeders do this.

As for millet being a "major" part of their diet, false. Budgerigars and cockatiels hail from Australia, millet doesn't even grow there. The common white proso millet (found in budgie seed mix) grows in Russia, the Middle East, northern India, Africa, Manchuria, and the Great Plains area of North America. This is also similar with the sprays of millet found in your local pet store.

But I agree that some seed should be given to your pet, daily. Budgies (parakeets) and cockatiels are seed eaters, their specially designed digestive tracts tells us this (even so, the seeds they eat are green, so they are essentially veggies). So (if your bird is/will be lazy) I would give him 25% of his diet in seed, 50% if he will be a very active bird (flying, doing tricks ect.). The rest should be made up of organic pellets and fruit/veggie mix.

Back to the taming topic: Start teaching the step up as soon as he's feeling comfortable. After that, it's a cake walk!

Answer 2

start taming him and getting him out of the cage as soon as possible. Also, MAKE SURE you have millet in the cage for him. Trust me, I just got a new parakeet in November when my cockatiel died and Joe (my parakeet) wasn't eating anything. I called the pet shop and they asked if i was giving him millet. I replied with a no and the woman from the pet shop told me that it is vital for a bird to have millet because it is part of their big diet. and the other thing is that he might be a tad bit shy when u first try and take him out. and that's normal!

Answer 3

I used to work at Petco, and I always told the customers that the bird will be a little stressed out at first. You should try putting the bird in a stress-free room - away from the noise! It'll take your bird about a week to two weeks to finally be able to feel more at home.

During that time, talk to your new feathered friend in a soft-soothing voice, and drop a treat into their food dish when you pass by their cage or greet them.

You can usually tell by your bird's body language if they start to chirp or approach you, try opening their door to the cage and show your bird the exit/entrance. If they start to apporach the door, slowly stick your hand into their cage and try having them step up onto your finger. If they run away and freak out, take a break and talk to them in a soft-soothing voice. Drop a treat into their food dish and leave them for a while. Try repeating those steps until the bird is more comfortable and is finally able to trust you. As soon as they trust you I garauntee you they'll step onto your finger.

Is your bird wings clipped? Clip your birds' wings, to prevent your bird from flying away. This will your bird away from danger; ceiling fans, toilets, boiling water and etc. By clipping your birds' wings it'll force your bird to bomd with you for the time being, and it'll show your bird that your no threat.

My advice to you is that it'll take time and patience. Don't give up because that'll get you no where. Only stick with one Cockatiel because they'll choose to socialize with their new feathered friend instead of you. I hope I helped and Good Luck!!!

Answer 4

Don't worry about him, he's just adjusting. The little guy is probably just confused.

Wait at least 48 hrs before taking your new friend out of the cage. Make sure to hang around his cage for a while before trying to handle the bird. You want him to be familiar with you.

You should until the bird gets used to being around you before hand taming.

Try this link:

http://www.cockatielcottage.net/newbirds...

Good Luck! ^_~