My new cockatiel (I’ve had him for a week and a half) will not eat ANYTHING except millet spray.?

Question

He only drinks water (one sip) when I take him out of his cage everyday. He’s also VERY afraid of me. How can I get him to eat and not be afraid of me? I also have to run around chasing him every evening to get him back in his cage. He just runs around bending over so I can’t get to his stomach to do the “up” command. lol HELP!

Answer 1

Ill simply answer your question cockatiels don't drink alot of water since they have adapted to a warm climate like australia secondly a bird will eat what it likes despite what it takes

seed=ice cream for cockatiels and pellets=spinach

and wait until a month for you bird to get adjusted to you and its surroundings then let it out of its cage. and trims its wings so it can rely on you more.

Lastly I'd like to recommend you a book with really useful info

"Cockatiels For Dummies" very very good book for cockatiel care.

Answer 2

Many newly weaned babies, particularly when introduced to a new home, are picky eaters.  Millet is usually one of the first foods a baby is weaned to and it's "comfort food" for them.  As long as he's eating and drinking he should be okay.  He'll settle down and begin eating other things as he gets used to his new home and new flock.  The important thing right now is that he IS eating, drinking and pooping and that his poops look okay.

As far as taming him, remember that he's still very frightened.  Spend time by his cage reading, watching television and talking to him softly.  Offer him treats from your hand.  Let him get used to you before you slowly start trying to handle him.  Remember that trust is the basis of any good relationship.  Give him plenty of time to gain confidence while you build his trust.  Just go at his own pace and you two will get to know one another over the days ahead.

Good luck :-)

Answer 3

IT is still 2 early for the up command. He only been with you 2 weeks. let him adjust slowly. I would prefer if you didnt even try to put him back in the cage its better if he finds his own spot to sleep, thats usyally top of the cage.

     Cockateils are always afraid in the beginin especially if you got him from the pet store. They dont have a lot of human interaction there. Their interest is just to sell the bird not to give him any love.  Just be patient and he will stop being afraid in about a month. be nice to him and he will treat you the same way you treat him.

    Cockateils like parakeets dont drink a lot of water. Dont worry about that. And the reason why he only eat millet spray is becayse thats what he ate in the store or wherever you got him.  They go with whats sure. :) dont worry. That will change too. Put some lettuce to teach him to eat the veggies then later give him a variety. And please dont trim his fathers.

     Hope this helps. Wish you all the best and your cockateil. I have 2 and i loveeeeeeeee them to death

      

Answer 4

I have a cockatiel and have had him for several years.  We got him from someone that had had him for a few years.  You haven't had him long enough for him to accept you as his owner. He will eat normal cockatiel food when he gets used to his new surroundings.  All cockatiels are afraid of new surroundings.  Until he gets used to you, he won't get on your hand.  Make sure he has food in his cage at all times and water too.  When he gets hungry and thirsty enough, he will eat.  Leave him with his water and food and don't hover over him.  It will take some time for your bird to learn to trust you. Be patient and don"t worry, and most of all don't rush things.  Hope this helps.

Answer 5

First off, you shouldn't let a bird out, unless it's safe. Ex. it's not able to fall behind a furniture or anything. Second, when you get a new bird you should introduce it to it's food and water first, so he doesn't starve nor die. Third, don't chase a bird, when it's let out. The point of letting a bird out is for it to be 'let out'. Now, since he won't eat anything but his spray millet. You need to take it out and put in food. If he doesn't eat that's fine. He will get hungry and know where his food is, but don't stay near his cage, or he'll be to terrified to eat (scared if you'll make a movement or not). Once he's able to eat/drink, now you can start teaching him how to 'step up'. To teach him this, you need to be able to feed him. Once you're able to feed him, you want to put his favorite treat on your palm and let him reach for it. Once he sees he can't reach for it, he'll want to step up. You won't be able to teach him how to step up right away, because your at the point where you want to be able to at least hold him, and show him that you'll do no harm. So try doing these simple steps first. Once your done doing this, send me an e-mail and i'll tell about how to get your little bird to 'step up' on command.