Frustrating young cocatiel

[gina11]

Its been a month and not making much progress. Yesterday he would step up and I could bring him out of his cage, today he wants no part of it. I don't know what to do, I hate leaving him in his cage all day.

 

[gracebowen]

I let mine out and wait till they go back for a drink to close the door when its about time for them to go back.

 

[gina11]

I can't get him out. The breeder cut his wing feathers pretty short so he can't fly. I tried leaving the door open but he tried to fly out and dropped like a rock. I don't want him to get hurt.

 

[wrench13]

Put some ratty blankets on the floor around the cage. I agree , leave the door open.

 

[shesaravenclaw]

If you can, take the top of the cage off. Some of my birds have responded really well to that since they can just climb up to get out... They don't even really need to get 'out' to be out.

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

 

[Terry57]

A month isn't a lot of time yet, and he may still be trying to get used to everything. I agree about putting down some blankets in case he falls and opening the cage. It takes a lot of time and patience sometimes, but is well worth the outcome

Here is a link with some information I think may help with your cockatiel:
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

 

[smbrds]

I also think leaving the door may prompt him to come out. Maybe he just wants to take it easy for a day, but will eventually come out. When it comes to birds, they love our patience.

 

[gina11]

I will try the blanket thing. He did step up and come out yesterday and seemed happy. I think he gets frustrated too as he wants to go somewhere but when he tries to fly, he can't and falls.

 

[MonicaMc]

The trying to come out and falling like a rock could also be making him scared to come out because it's a bad experience.

I agree with taking the top off of the cage, if you can. Likewise, try placing perches and toys on the *OUTSIDE* of the cage. If the door swings out, put a perch on there!

 

[gina11]

Update on Tiki. He is a totally different bird now! Loveable, loves his head scratched and not standoffish at all. You all were right, time and patience.

 

[Terry57]

That's great news! I'm so glad to read your update

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Yes...great news about Tiki! I guess I was lucky with BB..the breeder handled him often,and when he came home with me,he has no problem with me putting my hand in his house and he step right up on my finger,same thing when putting him back in..he just sits on my finger and I put him in,without him objecting.


Jim

 

[Tropical]

Thats awesome

Glad to hear he's warming up to you. I remember when I was a kid we would get VERY untame tiels who would bite a hole through your finger if you touched them LOL

... but once they settled in and warmed up to me after I don't know how many weeks they became so friendly and a totally different bird.

I too was lucky like AmyMyBlueFront... the breeder I got my new tiel "Coconut" from handled him a LOT. Coconut became bonded to me SUPER FAST and was super glued to my shoulder after just the first 24 hrs he was settled in right at home as if he lived with me for many years already LOL