Help with my new bird

Hi everyone,

I got a cockatiel yesterday. His name is Charlie. The poor boy's toe nails were twisted when I got him, couldn't imagine leaving him with his previous owner. He is around 3 months old. I have booked an appointment with the vet for next week, as they told me if he is walking around properly then he does not need emergency check up.

Was wondering if anyone here has any experience or ideas about how I can make him comfortable? Cause as you can imagine he's really afraid of everything.

Thanks!

My opinion only - I’d set his cage in an area where he can see and hear the action in the house but not be thrust into the middle of it. I’d also make sure that his cage is against a wall so that he doesn’t feel he has to watch all around him to feel safe. I would place his food and water facing the highest area of activity so he feels like he can eat and still keep his eye on what is going on. I’d make a point of interacting with him from whatever distance he seems most comfortable - talking to him softly, offering small treats if he’s amenable (or dropping small treats in his bowl and backing off if he’s not comfortable). I also tend to hang toys in a configuration so that they feel that they can “hide” and watch what’s going on around them as well. Biggest thing will be to move at his speed, let him acclimate to his new house on his own terms and not trying to force him to get used to you. Try to make every interaction positive (or at least not scary) and expect that it can take days to many weeks for a bird to get comfortable - be patient and get to know him .

Welcome to you and Charlie, seems you rescued him from a difficult environment.

Are the nails alone twisted or also the feet? Given his age, not likely to be chronic nail overgrowth. Are you able to upload an image? (none of us are vets or techs but may give advice based on condition)

Transfer to a new home is always challenging. Charlie will have a honeymoon lasting several weeks while he begins to acclimate. Providing a spacious cage, nutritious food, toys for play, and plenty of sleep are helpful. This thread shares tips for bonding and building trust: http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

@Jen5200 : I did what you said and I think it has made him a little more comfortable with me. I put him near my work space so he can be on his own but can still see me and get used to me being around. So thank you!!!

@Scott : Thanks for the link. I'm surely going to follow it. I'm also uploading a picture of him. Not sure if you'll be able to see properly. He was too scared of my phone so this was the only angle I could take picture from.

What a cutie!