Why is my cockatiel so jumpy?

Question

I have two cockatiels one of them is completely tame to the point where she thinks she owns the house and that she is a person. The other I have had for a much longer time and got her from a flight cage when she was 3 months old. She was picked on so I got her out of there. She doesn't bite or scream. She seems to be afraid of people but not always. She doesn't like being held but will sit on your shoulder and will get jealous of the other cockatiel and fly over to where we are but the refuse to be touched. Is there a way I can get her to trust me more?

Answer 1

I have a similar situation with my cockatiel *(also a rescue)  When they aren't imprinted on at a very young age it makes it more difficult for them to bond with us humans.  I whistle at him a lot and he has picked up more - he allows me to mess with his stuff and sit on my shoulder but he will fly off if someone else approaches - and like yours he too attacks - give it more time.  I have had Paco for about 1 year 1/2 and am still actively working him - they have a lifespan of 20 years so it is worth it - keep giving him millet, talking to him, whistling and incorporate him as much as possible in to your daily activities. He will come round as long as you don't force it - There is a huuuuuuuge difference between a hand reared bird and a free flight - and that is what you are dealing with - whatever you do - if you want him tame - Do NOT get him a partner he will then bond with that bird and never you.  

Answer 2

Same as my conure after she had an accident in which she lost her eye :( and broke her beak :(! two years ago. Ever since she is timid.

I try to hold her close to me as long as I can. Sometimes during day take her to bed so she can sleep on my hair when I am reading. I also try not to pick on her when she is not in the mode. It takes a very long time before she trust you again and one little thing to scare her can ruin all the work. Be patient and positive. She can feel your love and she is sensitive to  your attention so you have a high chance. Look at her directly so she knows you are giving her full attention from time to time. My birds are very responsive to it.

Good luck,

Answer 3

you might want to keep working with her, check out http://www.parrotcentral.net/how_to_tame... for good tips on how to train your bird