Hand Training

Hey all!

I just brought in a neglect case, and she's my first ever rehab experience. The rest of my birds practically picked me. They were relatively well socialized before I brought them in and didn't require much special attention. Bitty, however, will clearly need a bit more.... um...... doting on?

So I'm just here for advice!

I've of course heard that you should make sounds around them, talk to them, dance with them, just in any way try to get them used to your presence. I've been doing that. I've also read that it can be helpful to have positive or neutral experiences with your hand in the cage... so far, replacing and cleaning food/water has been my avenue for that. No touching!! Haha...

Does anyone have other suggestions?

She's also not eating so far, but I posted about that in general health, and I'm actively working on it... but if anyone has stories to share about how they coaxed their cockatiel to eat, I'd be happy to hear. I have been giving her junk food seed mixes as it's what she was getting where I got her but I think the anxiety is still too high. Picked her up yesterday. Busy week for Bits!!

Thanks everyone

First, thank you for bringing her in your home. Obviously it's going to be a long journey and a different one apart from your birds. Things will happen on her terms, at her own pace and so to lessen the anxiety and stress will be ideal. But definitely associating positivity with your hands is a plus. Maybe offer her favorite foods to her, a treat. As for eating, in most cases once they get hungry enough they will eat. Some have different times of the day they really eat while just nibbling the rest throughout the day. I've also just seen your thread RE: Scissor Beak. It's going to have to be maintained. As long as it's not affecting her, see if she can eat some soft foods. Making smoothies is a great idea to get her some food that way. How is old is the little one by the way? She's so cute.

No idea! On two separate days I was told "less than 2 years" and "quite elderly." LOL.

Thanks for the advice! It'll be a long journey but I'm hoping it'll be rewarding! Even just in 2 days she doesn't freak out when I approach anymore, although she's still not quite happy to see me! Lol

She will eventually eat on her own,she won't starve herself! It seemed like FOREVER before Jonesy,the goffin I adopted ate and of course it drove me coo-coo lol but he eventually did...so will Bitty.

The only real experience I have had with cockatiels is with my little boy BB,but he was only 4.5 months old when he picked me and was at the breeders with three other siblings and he was very tame (with me at least). Even his first hours home with Amy and I, Beebers was already running up my arm to sit on my shoulder and make little chirps in my ear.
Almost two years later,he has well exceeded my wildest dreams.

Like almost any parrot who has been introduced to a new home,it'll take time...how much time? it's always up to the individual birdie.

Keep doing what your doing. Talk softly to Bitty,don't make sudden noises or movements..don't surprise her,'teils are know to spook fairly easily. Tell Bitty you're on your way to see her so she knows your coming. I have found that cockatiels just LOVE millet sprigs..offer her a piece as you sit near her and just TALK...Bitty will come around.

And THANK YOU for taking her into your home and heart! PICTURE(s)??


Jim

You're in good hands here. I'm so glad you're following through and learning and sharing. That's one lucky little bird, finally, running into you!

I hope not! I've heard horror stories (about cockatiels in particular) starving themselves. But she has enough energy that I doubt she'll be one of those cases. She'll eat eventually to sustain this level of pep. Lol!

I gave her some more egg today to encourage her to eat nutritious food, fingers crossed~~. Worst case if she doesn't eat it the rest of my birds got an exciting treat.

Here's some pictures!

[1] [2]

She's preened a lot since I took those so she's a bit less messy looking but not quite "clean" looking yet. Someday!

Honestly, seeing her in a clean cage and listening to her whistle back to me and my flock... I almost feel like I overreacted when I was so horrified at her condition. But the store really was horrible, and even if she's not as sick as she looked in that nasty cage I'm so happy she's with me now. It was a pretty gross place :/ and I hope my report goes someplace.

Bitty is a very pretty little girl!





Jim

She's a very pretty girl and in a much better place now.