Cockatiel problems!

A while back when I recused Peabo, my year old cockatiel, he would scream nonstop. I thought that later on that his yelling would eventually die down. It hasn’t. If you seen my other post, ‘Moving states’ you can see why I’m nervous. Cockatiels or birds in general tend to scream when they’re in a new area. Peabo eats from my hand but still lunches at it when it’s too close. It’s been 2 months now and I still have no clue on what to do. I know that birds aren’t supposed to be quiet animals, but his constant screaming makes me lose hope in taming him. It sounds bad, but lately I don’t feel confident as much as I was in the beginning. I almost feel defeated. I used one tip that said to reward to him when he’s quiet and ignore him when he’s loud. Perhaps I should continue with that tip. One question I have is how long should I reward him. Am I suppose to give him a treat then walk away after he finishes? I really need to have the motivation again. It’s hard to spent time with him when I still have school. Is there anything I can do to make him feel comfortable with my hand around? What do I do during taming sessions? How long should a taming session last? How long should the break be before I start the session again? Do I take him out to explore the room since he can step up on a perch? Personally, I’m afraid of leaving the cage door open because his fright feathers has grown back. Once I left the door open and he flew and got stuck on top of the ceiling fan. I could get his wings clipped again, but it’s bad enough that he’s afraid of hands. I didn’t want to add to his fear. I’m sorry for asking so many questions, but as someone who’s pretty much inexperienced with birds I really need it. Sorry for creating two posts, I should have combined them into one

Thanks!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

love4beauty said:

A while back when I recused Peabo, my year old cockatiel, he would scream nonstop. I thought that later on that his yelling would eventually die down. It hasn’t. If you seen my other post, ‘Moving states’ you can see why I’m nervous. Cockatiels or birds in general tend to scream when they’re in a new area. Peabo eats from my hand but still lunches at it when it’s too close. It’s been 2 months now and I still have no clue on what to do. I know that birds aren’t supposed to be quiet animals, but his constant screaming makes me lose hope in taming him. It sounds bad, but lately I don’t feel confident as much as I was in the beginning. I almost feel defeated. I used one tip that said to reward to him when he’s quiet and ignore him when he’s loud. Perhaps I should continue with that tip. One question I have is how long should I reward him. Am I suppose to give him a treat then walk away after he finishes? I really need to have the motivation again. It’s hard to spent time with him when I still have school. Is there anything I can do to make him feel comfortable with my hand around? What do I do during taming sessions? How long should a taming session last? How long should the break be before I start the session again? Do I take him out to explore the room since he can step up on a perch? Personally, I’m afraid of leaving the cage door open because his fright feathers has grown back. Once I left the door open and he flew and got stuck on top of the ceiling fan. I could get his wings clipped again, but it’s bad enough that he’s afraid of hands. I didn’t want to add to his fear. I’m sorry for asking so many questions, but as someone who’s pretty much inexperienced with birds I really need it. Sorry for creating two posts, I should have combined them into one

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

First off, I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. Many cockatiels will scream, especially if one of their flock members has left the room. Indeed ignoring them is the way to go or rewarding a different behavior such as singing or talking. I still have troubles with my tiels but with time the screaming should die down a bit.

So basically when he stops screaming or sings or talks instead of screaming, reward him with a treat and praise. Eventually you can start weaning him off of treats.

As for his fear of hands, I think starting with a training stick (I don't remember the name for it) should help. Leaving the cage door open when you are in the room might work but only if you're in the room with the fans off.

As for taming sessions, you put your hand in the cage but not by him. Slowly turn it to the side to show him you're not going to harm him. This should only last a few minutes and you could maybe do this twice a day. You could also build on his eating out of your hand since he can associate your hand with treats.

One thing I've noticed with my own tiels is that if you let them explore for themselves it can be advantageous towards alleivating their fears.

Hope this helped! Don't worry, it'll get somewhat easier as you go on!

Also your Lil guy is super cute!!!!!!

I have found it helps to have a daily routine. Do you have a routine you follow with him? There should be multiple times a day you are working with him, even if that just means sitting near his cage and talking to him. Or changing out his food, giving him a special treat in the morning like a piece of fruit, or veggie he likes. What are his favorite treats? Does he likes spray millet? You don't have to be touching him to work on training with him.

Try to make every single interaction with him a positive one. The screaming is something you'll have to work through, ignore and then as mentioned above, reward when he's quiet. Try whistling to him, it may get him to stop screaming and try to listen to you. You could invest in ear plugs for the time being until you can get his screaming under control. Does he have access to sunlight or does he have a view of outside?

itzjbean said:

I have found it helps to have a daily routine. Do you have a routine you follow with him? There should be multiple times a day you are working with him, even if that just means sitting near his cage and talking to him. Or changing out his food, giving him a special treat in the morning like a piece of fruit, or veggie he likes. What are his favorite treats? Does he likes spray millet? You don't have to be touching him to work on training with him.

Try to make every single interaction with him a positive one. The screaming is something you'll have to work through, ignore and then as mentioned above, reward when he's quiet. Try whistling to him, it may get him to stop screaming and try to listen to you. You could invest in ear plugs for the time being until you can get his screaming under control. Does he have access to sunlight or does he have a view of outside?

Click to expand...

Yes, his cage is placed besides a window so that he has access to sunlight. He does have a view of the outside, but it might change once I move.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

is his cage fully against a window or just partially? From what I've read and experienced the best way is to have them in a corner where they can see out of a window but to have it so they can hide away from the window if they see something scary or the sun starts shining on them a bit too much

LordTriggs said:

is his cage fully against a window or just partially? From what I've read and experienced the best way is to have them in a corner where they can see out of a window but to have it so they can hide away from the window if they see something scary or the sun starts shining on them a bit too much

Click to expand...

His cage is placed right next to a window, but I always had the blinds closed halfway. Should I move his cage?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

possibly, experiment and see what helps. There's nothing stopping you moving the cage back

spaceparrot said:

love4beauty said:

A while back when I recused Peabo, my year old cockatiel, he would scream nonstop. I thought that later on that his yelling would eventually die down. It hasn’t. If you seen my other post, ‘Moving states’ you can see why I’m nervous. Cockatiels or birds in general tend to scream when they’re in a new area. Peabo eats from my hand but still lunches at it when it’s too close. It’s been 2 months now and I still have no clue on what to do. I know that birds aren’t supposed to be quiet animals, but his constant screaming makes me lose hope in taming him. It sounds bad, but lately I don’t feel confident as much as I was in the beginning. I almost feel defeated. I used one tip that said to reward to him when he’s quiet and ignore him when he’s loud. Perhaps I should continue with that tip. One question I have is how long should I reward him. Am I suppose to give him a treat then walk away after he finishes? I really need to have the motivation again. It’s hard to spent time with him when I still have school. Is there anything I can do to make him feel comfortable with my hand around? What do I do during taming sessions? How long should a taming session last? How long should the break be before I start the session again? Do I take him out to explore the room since he can step up on a perch? Personally, I’m afraid of leaving the cage door open because his fright feathers has grown back. Once I left the door open and he flew and got stuck on top of the ceiling fan. I could get his wings clipped again, but it’s bad enough that he’s afraid of hands. I didn’t want to add to his fear. I’m sorry for asking so many questions, but as someone who’s pretty much inexperienced with birds I really need it. Sorry for creating two posts, I should have combined them into one

Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

First off, I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. Many cockatiels will scream, especially if one of their flock members has left the room. Indeed ignoring them is the way to go or rewarding a different behavior such as singing or talking. I still have troubles with my tiels but with time the screaming should die down a bit.

So basically when he stops screaming or sings or talks instead of screaming, reward him with a treat and praise. Eventually you can start weaning him off of treats.

As for his fear of hands, I think starting with a training stick (I don't remember the name for it) should help. Leaving the cage door open when you are in the room might work but only if you're in the room with the fans off.

As for taming sessions, you put your hand in the cage but not by him. Slowly turn it to the side to show him you're not going to harm him. This should only last a few minutes and you could maybe do this twice a day. You could also build on his eating out of your hand since he can associate your hand with treats.

One thing I've noticed with my own tiels is that if you let them explore for themselves it can be advantageous towards alleivating their fears.

Hope this helped! Don't worry, it'll get somewhat easier as you go on!

Also your Lil guy is super cute!!!!!!

Click to expand...

I really don't understand what you mean by "Screaming"? BB does "call" for me when I leave the room,but I don't think of it as screaming..You really don't know what screaming is,until you've dealt with a beady-eye'd monster like a Goffin 'too!
Amy gets loud from time to time..usually 10am ish and before bed time ( his flock calling) but its not an Amazon scream/yell and it only lasts six or seven minutes..and I answer him back "Yes Amy I'm here,are you ok?" "I'll be right there Amy"

BB likes to explore. He likes walking around the living room floor,going to Amys house and picking at the papers for any loose nummy Amy might have discared.
Even in the kitchen he explores. That beak of his is always going. He'll land on the counter top and pick at any millet kernals that might be there after I fed him,or he'll land on the shelf above the sink and chew on any papers up there,sometimes he beak-bangs on one of his stainless steel bowls I keep there.
He's not found of walking the kitchen floor though. When he is on the counter,I make SURE he cant get behind anything ( like the coffee maker,or can opener) to go chew on the chords,coz he would,given the chance!

Let your guy explore,just watch Intensely coz they can,and will,get into trouble in a heart beat.


Jim

AmyMyBlueFront said:

spaceparrot said:

love4beauty said:

A while back when I recused Peabo, my year old cockatiel, he would scream nonstop. I thought that later on that his yelling would eventually die down. It hasn’t. If you seen my other post, ‘Moving states’ you can see why I’m nervous. Cockatiels or birds in general tend to scream when they’re in a new area. Peabo eats from my hand but still lunches at it when it’s too close. It’s been 2 months now and I still have no clue on what to do. I know that birds aren’t supposed to be quiet animals, but his constant screaming makes me lose hope in taming him. It sounds bad, but lately I don’t feel confident as much as I was in the beginning. I almost feel defeated. I used one tip that said to reward to him when he’s quiet and ignore him when he’s loud. Perhaps I should continue with that tip. One question I have is how long should I reward him. Am I suppose to give him a treat then walk away after he finishes? I really need to have the motivation again. It’s hard to spent time with him when I still have school. Is there anything I can do to make him feel comfortable with my hand around? What do I do during taming sessions? How long should a taming session last? How long should the break be before I start the session again? Do I take him out to explore the room since he can step up on a perch? Personally, I’m afraid of leaving the cage door open because his fright feathers has grown back. Once I left the door open and he flew and got stuck on top of the ceiling fan. I could get his wings clipped again, but it’s bad enough that he’s afraid of hands. I didn’t want to add to his fear. I’m sorry for asking so many questions, but as someone who’s pretty much inexperienced with birds I really need it. Sorry for creating two posts, I should have combined them into one



Thanks!

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

First off, I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. Many cockatiels will scream, especially if one of their flock members has left the room. Indeed ignoring them is the way to go or rewarding a different behavior such as singing or talking. I still have troubles with my tiels but with time the screaming should die down a bit.



So basically when he stops screaming or sings or talks instead of screaming, reward him with a treat and praise. Eventually you can start weaning him off of treats.



As for his fear of hands, I think starting with a training stick (I don't remember the name for it) should help. Leaving the cage door open when you are in the room might work but only if you're in the room with the fans off.



As for taming sessions, you put your hand in the cage but not by him. Slowly turn it to the side to show him you're not going to harm him. This should only last a few minutes and you could maybe do this twice a day. You could also build on his eating out of your hand since he can associate your hand with treats.



One thing I've noticed with my own tiels is that if you let them explore for themselves it can be advantageous towards alleivating their fears.



Hope this helped! Don't worry, it'll get somewhat easier as you go on!



Also your Lil guy is super cute!!!!!!

Click to expand...

I really don't understand what you mean by "Screaming"? BB does "call" for me when I leave the room,but I don't think of it as screaming..You really don't know what screaming is,until you've dealt with a beady-eye'd monster like a Goffin 'too!

Amy gets loud from time to time..usually 10am ish and before bed time ( his flock calling) but its not an Amazon scream/yell and it only lasts six or seven minutes..and I answer him back "Yes Amy I'm here,are you ok?" "I'll be right there Amy"



BB likes to explore. He likes walking around the living room floor,going to Amys house and picking at the papers for any loose nummy Amy might have discared.

Even in the kitchen he explores. That beak of his is always going. He'll land on the counter top and pick at any millet kernals that might be there after I fed him,or he'll land on the shelf above the sink and chew on any papers up there,sometimes he beak-bangs on one of his stainless steel bowls I keep there.

He's not found of walking the kitchen floor though. When he is on the counter,I make SURE he cant get behind anything ( like the coffee maker,or can opener) to go chew on the chords,coz he would,given the chance!



Let your guy explore,just watch Intensely coz they can,and will,get into trouble in a heart beat.





Jim

Click to expand...

What I mean about screaming is that he’ll randomly start to yell even when I’m in or out the room. I’m not confident that he’s calling for me but there is a possibility.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

love4beauty said:

AmyMyBlueFront said:

spaceparrot said:

First off, I just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. Many cockatiels will scream, especially if one of their flock members has left the room. Indeed ignoring them is the way to go or rewarding a different behavior such as singing or talking. I still have troubles with my tiels but with time the screaming should die down a bit.



So basically when he stops screaming or sings or talks instead of screaming, reward him with a treat and praise. Eventually you can start weaning him off of treats.



As for his fear of hands, I think starting with a training stick (I don't remember the name for it) should help. Leaving the cage door open when you are in the room might work but only if you're in the room with the fans off.



As for taming sessions, you put your hand in the cage but not by him. Slowly turn it to the side to show him you're not going to harm him. This should only last a few minutes and you could maybe do this twice a day. You could also build on his eating out of your hand since he can associate your hand with treats.



One thing I've noticed with my own tiels is that if you let them explore for themselves it can be advantageous towards alleivating their fears.



Hope this helped! Don't worry, it'll get somewhat easier as you go on!



Also your Lil guy is super cute!!!!!!

Click to expand...

I really don't understand what you mean by "Screaming"? BB does "call" for me when I leave the room,but I don't think of it as screaming..You really don't know what screaming is,until you've dealt with a beady-eye'd monster like a Goffin 'too!

Amy gets loud from time to time..usually 10am ish and before bed time ( his flock calling) but its not an Amazon scream/yell and it only lasts six or seven minutes..and I answer him back "Yes Amy I'm here,are you ok?" "I'll be right there Amy"



BB likes to explore. He likes walking around the living room floor,going to Amys house and picking at the papers for any loose nummy Amy might have discared.

Even in the kitchen he explores. That beak of his is always going. He'll land on the counter top and pick at any millet kernals that might be there after I fed him,or he'll land on the shelf above the sink and chew on any papers up there,sometimes he beak-bangs on one of his stainless steel bowls I keep there.

He's not found of walking the kitchen floor though. When he is on the counter,I make SURE he cant get behind anything ( like the coffee maker,or can opener) to go chew on the chords,coz he would,given the chance!



Let your guy explore,just watch Intensely coz they can,and will,get into trouble in a heart beat.





Jim

Click to expand...

What I mean about screaming is that he’ll randomly start to yell even when I’m in or out the room. I’m not confident that he’s calling for me but there is a possibility.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

Is his yelling unpleasantly loud? Does he constantly do this? or just for a few minutes? It could just be him vocalizing,telling you " HEY!! I'm in this thing! let me out!!"


Jim

AmyMyBlueFront said:

love4beauty said:

AmyMyBlueFront said:

I really don't understand what you mean by "Screaming"? BB does "call" for me when I leave the room,but I don't think of it as screaming..You really don't know what screaming is,until you've dealt with a beady-eye'd monster like a Goffin 'too!



Amy gets loud from time to time..usually 10am ish and before bed time ( his flock calling) but its not an Amazon scream/yell and it only lasts six or seven minutes..and I answer him back "Yes Amy I'm here,are you ok?" "I'll be right there Amy"







BB likes to explore. He likes walking around the living room floor,going to Amys house and picking at the papers for any loose nummy Amy might have discared.



Even in the kitchen he explores. That beak of his is always going. He'll land on the counter top and pick at any millet kernals that might be there after I fed him,or he'll land on the shelf above the sink and chew on any papers up there,sometimes he beak-bangs on one of his stainless steel bowls I keep there.



He's not found of walking the kitchen floor though. When he is on the counter,I make SURE he cant get behind anything ( like the coffee maker,or can opener) to go chew on the chords,coz he would,given the chance!







Let your guy explore,just watch Intensely coz they can,and will,get into trouble in a heart beat.











Jim

Click to expand...

What I mean about screaming is that he’ll randomly start to yell even when I’m in or out the room. I’m not confident that he’s calling for me but there is a possibility.





Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

Is his yelling unpleasantly loud? Does he constantly do this? or just for a few minutes? It could just be him vocalizing,telling you " HEY!! I'm in this thing! let me out!!"





Jim

Click to expand...

His yelling are mainly very loud, and they usually last around 1 to 4 minutes. They happen everyday but stops when its around 8pm. Before I use to left open his cage so he could explore, however after a while he wouldn’t go back into his cage. He wouldn’t step up on the stick and would hiss. The last time that happen it took me 3 hours to get him back in.

UPDATE:
Earlier today I got a phone call from by dad. Since l’m leaving my home state by car, and that I’m moving into a rental house. I believe it’s best if I give Peabo to an experienced bird owner who knows how to deal with older untamed birds. I did my research and I found a bird store who been in business for years. I might call them up and ask about them being able to care after Peabo.
During the 2 (almost 3) months I had him, I learned a lot about birds in general. The more I think about it; it’s probably for the best for Peabo. I don’t want to force him on a 18 hour drive and have him get use to a new place again. He needs someone who has the time to bond with him, not a student who’s gone half a day.
My little sister got Peabo on Craigslist on whelm without any research. Of course the responsibility was pushed onto me when we found out he was untamed.
I’m sorry if I disappointed anyone out there who were rooting for me. I really tried my best to spent my every free time with him, but homework, state’s testing, final exams, hanging friends are the reasons why I can’t continue anymore. I’m not ready to take on this responsibility. Owning Peabo was like looking after a child, and I’m not ready at all. Maybe because he was older, it was more difficult to get close to him. However, I like to think I got somewhere with him. I gotten him to eat from my hand, and sometimes he follows me from inside his cage. He also whistles the same tune I do when I reward him; so maybe my efforts didn’t go down the drain.
Thank you for all the advice and tips I have received. I apologize again for not meeting your expectations.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk