traumatized cockatiels

I have a cockatiel (Aing) and he hisses or tries to strike me when i get close to his cage, i want to bond or interact with him.

i have no knowledge on taming a bird and i can use some help.

Firstly can i ask if his cage is in a quieter zone in your home, if not I recommend that you move his cage to a more quiet area of your home like the loungeroom or bedroom where he will still see people but will not get spooked by people rushing in and out in front of him (like a hallway). Kitchen's are a big no no tho as the fumes produced by frying pans and the hazzards of hot surfaces are a huge risk for birds and can be deadly. Many bird's feel more comfortable with two solid walls on the sides of their cage (hence put him a corner where he will feel more sheltered). Also have you got any toy's in his cage to give him something to do (if not wait till he is more comfortable with you as reaching into his cage to place toys, as at this stage will likely cause more stress then is necessary). Start with calmly sitting in front of his cage 1 hour each day and read him a book/talk quietly to him. This will help him get used to you. You can also buy some millet spray and hold it up to the cage to see if he will be interested. If he is interested continue giving it to him as a treat while you are talking quietly to him. Do this for a couple of weeks and hopefully, he will begin to warm up to you and create a bond. Best of luck :41:

This post is for budgies/parakeets but is still highly useful for your Tiel

http://www.parrotforums.com/budgies-parakeets/72068-taming-bonding-budgerigars-tips-beginners.html

Welcome!
Good for you for reaching out, and wanting to help this bird.
Great advice above.
Would you like some more reading?

http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

General Parrot Information - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community

http://goodbirdinc.blogspot.com/2012...n-parrots.html

Thanks for reaching out!

What do you know of your cockatiel's history? Did you buy him in a pet shop, or was he in an aviary with other birds? Or was he handfed?

The hissing and lunging behavior you are describing is common for birds that are not tame. Knowing how he was raised will give us here a better idea of how to proceed with helping you tame and earn the trust of your cockatiel.

Be sure to read the links posted above, especially the 'tips for bonding and building trust' link.

Try feeding him millet through the cages bars. Allow him to come to you.