Greetings from Ireland

Hello everyone!

I'm not sure where to start really... I've just got a new cockatiel, Sammie, I'm told he's somewhere under a year old, but I got him from a big pet store, he's not at all tamed so I don't think they really know much about him or have any contact with the breeder..

Sadly here in Ireland we don't have anywhere near the options you have in the US/UK so after weeks of looking for hand reared birds I ended up having to travel to the next city over to get one from the store (even my 2 local pet shops didn't have any *healthy* ones)!

Anyway, I've had Sammie now for 2 weeks, he's starting to settle, he loves his cage and his toys, he did have a mirror that he played with *a lot* but I've removed it through fear of him bonding to "himself" more than me

I'm saying "he" because he does sing to me and he "feels" like a boy... I suspected he might have been a girl due to the lack of markings but from what I've read, his behavior is much more male.. If not... Sammie could be a girly name too... right?

I've read so much information on all over the internet, I had 2 cockatiels as a child too but it's so different now I'm actually responsible for him! I read all these different sites, posts and information, it all scares the living daylights out of me that there's so much I could do in a normal day that has the potential to kill my new little family member! My boyfriend says I'm like a new mother, worrying over every cough and sneeze!

Anyway, I'm open to any and all advice, I could write forever about my little guy but I think one wall of text is enough for now ^_^ Here's a picture of Sammie for you all:

Hello and welcome!
Sammie is a beautiful little guy (or girl). And the name definitely works for either
So glad you joined us!

Welcome to the forums!! Sammie is an adorable name for a boy or girl (Samuel or Samantha), so you're covered for name!!

Cockatiels usually tame and sweeten up. We have 4, really my daughters!

Cockatiels are usually little oinkers for food, so finding Sammie's favorite food or treat might be a great way to help with getting her to be much more hand friendly. I joke millet spray is much like candy for birds Also, I have sprouts going almost all the time, and the cockatiels all love the sprouts. They are the best eaters out of all the birds actually, not much we don't offer they won't eat! Make up a small chop for her, veggie, fruit, quinoa / rice / pasta or baked potato. You can sprinkle on flax or sesame seeds too, or flakes of dried hot peppers. If you can bring Sammie near the table while you eat and offer a little of a mash, she may feel more like she is part of your flock. Getting a bird to eat with you is a bonding thing, sounds silly and goofy but really does work!

If she likes millet or nutriberries, use them for bribery when you're teaching to step up or asking her to come to your hand.

I completely agree with taking away the mirror! Sammie is a beautiful baby, can easily see her / him falling for itself if gazing in their own eyes!

Welcome again and have to share totally off topic, my daughter and I were in Ireland last summer and by far it was the most beautiful place I've ever been and the friendliest people! I kept joking even the taxi cab drivers were polite!!

Thanks for the welcomes so far!

I've been bribing him with bits of millet, he's going mad for it and will even eat it out my hand now so I'm seeing big progress while I have food ^^ I've tried giving him veggies but he just looks at me like I've come down in a banana boat lol I did have a breakthrough with him while trying to give him some carrot, I took a bite out of the other end and he promptly came up and "licked" his end.. However since then he's still not shown any interest in actually eating any ^_^

Unfortunately, while Ireland is a lovely place, the people are amazingly friendly and life is very relaxed, being an island, our supplies of luxuries are few and far between.. Specific things like these nutriberries you speak of and pellet food have to be specially ordered in from UK / US stores, thus adding international shipping and customs charges, a €5 bag of food can easily start to cost €15. Even then the best branded seed mix I can get is only sold in one pet shop in the whole city..

I also have very little hope of finding a proper Avian vet, as far as all my googling says the only ones are 3/4 hours away... and I don't drive.. Is a normal vet ok? I have a very good relationship with my local vet and I know they would do everything they could to help Sammie but I don't think anyone around here has any specialisations.

Anyway, thanks again for your warm welcomes!

Talk to your local vet. I think birds are covered by all vets in their schooling, and a great vet usually is very open to calling the specialists when there is a problem or question. You could be his in process training as a semi avian vet He may need to order supplies for tests and such, but having a vet who cares but not an avian specialist is better then no vet or an avian vet who just thinks the world of themselves and forgets why they specialized in birds to begin with...

For internet orders, check out mybirdstore.com, I know they ship alot internationally and they use a service called Bongo that they report can save up to 82% on international shipping costs. Its worth checking out at least! I'm a huge fan of the store, I'm lucky enough to live within driving distance of their regular store, they do have literally everything you would need. If their shipping program would save some money, might be a thought!

I'll let you know next time we plan a trip to Ireland, I'll check another piece of luggage filled with bird goodies to bring over to you Had to buy a bag to bring home stuff, so will need the empty bag for the return anyway