Cage Aggressive Cockatiel

[Levindrave]

This is my first post here and wanting to retrain an old cockatiel. Got her from my grandmother. From my knowledge she is about 26 years old and used to be hand trained but while she is on her cage door or inside she will try to warn and bite if you get too close. But the times ive gotten her away from the cage she becomes passive but wants to gets back to the cage.

 

[onamom]

Welcome to the forums!

How long have you had her? It sounds like she sees the cage as her safe space and is afraid to interact just yet.

 

[PrimorandMoxi]

Thank you for taking in what must be a much loved 26 year old.

 

[Levindrave]

Welcome to the forums!

How long have you had her? It sounds like she sees the cage as her safe space and is afraid to interact just yet.

Well ive known her for all my life, but a few years ago is when we got her. Since im home more often ive wanted her to be more comfortable with people

 

[texsize]

Have you tried feeding her treats by hand when she is in/on her cage?

My cockatiels all like millit seed, I’d try giving her that by hand.

One of my Tiels (Popeye) is hand raised but he acts really fierce when my hand is in his cage.
As fierce as he acts his bite is super gentle

Popeye’s father Cheeky is like, wild.
You try to touch him and he will blood you up.

How bad is your girl , all bark and no bite or out for blood?

 

[Levindrave]

Have you tried feeding her treats by hand when she is in/on her cage?

My cockatiels all like millit seed, I’d try giving her that by hand.

One of my Tiels (Popeye) is hand raised but he acts really fierce when my hand is in his cage.
As fierce as he acts his bite is super gentle

Popeye’s father Cheeky is like, wild.
You try to touch him and he will blood you up.

How bad is your girl , all bark and no bite or out for blood?

She will start with soft bites but if you keep trying she will draw blood.

 

[texsize]

I wish I had some special advice but the only thing I can think of is sitting next to her cage and reading to her.
letting her get use to your presence and voice.
feeding her special treats by hand.

It took 2 years to make friends with one of my Tiels (Pinky) but she was not a hand raised bird And the trick was getting her less fearful of hands.