Taming tips?

It seems like I’m going to be spamming this form with questions for the next few weeks, so I apologize. It has been a week since I got my cockatiel, and everything been going slowly, but somewhat smoothly so far. I gotten him to eat from the palm of my hand although he’s still very cautious, and sometimes he would come to the door when I open it. Anyways, to my real question; how do I approach my hand towards him without him feeling threaten? He completely fine with my hand if it has a treat, but becomes aggressive if I approach him slowly with just my hand. I’m a bit afraid to get my hand ear him because I only dealt with parakeets, and their bites aren’t nearly harmful than my cockatiel. I already seen the damage he can do just by him eating sunflower seeds. Maybe I’m just impatient, and nervous since he is a untamed 1 year old cockatiel who had a bad experience with people, but I don’t want to give up on him like his previous owners. So, is there any tips that I should try?
Also I been wondering about that thing sticking from his crest, I’m guessing it’s a pin feather, but I looks strange to me...







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Patience, time and patience. As you noted him having a bad experience with people, him taking food from your the palm of your hand no less is making great strides already. Keep at it and stick with him. The opportunity will come when he will gradually and eventually come stepping up in no time. On his terms though.

The thing sticking up on your Alfalfa Tiel is indeed a pin feather and will molt out. In the meantime he will just look funny.

Hi there,and welcome!

The feather sticking up from his "hat" ( that's what I call it at least on BB's head) is just a pin feather,so don't be too worried about it.

he hasn't been with you long and of course,him being in a totally new environment is probably freaking him out. Pull up a chair,sit next to his house and just gently and softly TALK to him..just ten or fifteen minutes at a time,but do this several times a day. Maybe even sit and read the newspaper aloud to him as you sit next to him. Don't FORCE him to try and respond! Get some millet and cut off a piece of the sprig and offer it thru the bars to him as you talk softly and quietly. Encourage him to come closer and make sure you PRAISE him for every step forward that he makes!

It may take time,but when he is to the point that he sits next to you (when he is in his house) and he is taking goodies from your fingers thru the house bars,open his front door as you talk to him,with a piece of millet he can see ( I have found that cockateils just LOVE millet! ) and ask him to come and take a taste. Sooner or later,he will. Then ask him to step up on to your fingers or hand or arm,as you coax him with more treaties..

He needs to feel comfortable with you,and his new surroundings first before you make ANY progress!

Good luck!! and DO NOT geel you are asking dumb questions! The only "dumb question" is a question not asked!!

Please keep us posted...what is his name btw????


Jim