My female cockatiels?

Question

i got 2 female tiels about 2 1/2 weeks ago. they were really hand shy, but one is coming around pretty quick. (i clipped their wings) i opend up their cage so they could have some "out" time, and i could work with them alittle more. i sat down on my couch (i let them come out, i wont take them out) and i watched them. one of the girls got on the top of the cage, and spread out her wings and her tail, then leaned over the side of the cage, and started flapping her wings. after she started, the shy one in the cage started doing it! what does this mean? after they stopped i went up to the one that is coming around and she hissed at me, which se hasnt done since the 2nd day we got her!

Answer 1

They were excercising. My birds did it, too, often while screaming their little heads off. It gets their heart rate going; it's possible that your one 'tiel hissed at you because she was still "keyed up", and because she was "in the middle of something" and you were interrupting her--how rude!

If it happens again, give her a minute or two to calm down, and try again.

Answer 2

It would be much better if you take them out of the cage with the Step Up command.  This will guide them to know you are the one who is the provider for them.

They are exercising their wings.  

Answer 3

she was most likely just spreading her wings, dont worry. cockatiels are very shy at first. take time each day to talk to them by the cage in a soft voice. hand feed them if they will let you. she could also just be getting used to her newly clipped wings. many birds will keep spreading their clipped wings as if to say "where did they go it feels different"

Answer 4

I wouldn't worry about it too much... As a tip though you should try to handle them each morning for 15-20mins... anything more than that is too stressful until they become a little more tame. The idea of doing it in the morning is the birds are awake and full of energy and typically keen to play along...

Answer 5

birds do that and they are just spreading their wings and adjusting to their new flightless wings. cockatiels are very shy, but be gentle and calm and they should warm up to you

Answer 6

the flapping their wings is probably just because they are different now. i mist mine with a spray bottle, the 2 boys love it and flip upside down and flap away. it's cute. the female prefers the bath. all mine prefer to sit on my shoulder more than my hand, so that might help.  it takes time although some are a little more stubborn if they are older.