New cockatiel tips for taming

verdozo · Jun 16, 2026

Hello everyone,

I'm new here and recently bought my first cockatiel. It's about 3 months old, and I brought it home from a pet store 4 days ago.

I'm trying not to force any interaction. I mostly sit near the cage and talk to it softly, and I haven't tried to touch it yet. I don't even know if it's male or female.

Today I opened the cage door, but it didn't want to come out. I'm worried because it doesn't seem interested in interacting with me yet. How long does it usually take for a young cockatiel to become comfortable with its owner?

I'm feeling a little sad and rejected. Someone told me that some cockatiels never become tame, and now I'm worried that might happen with mine.

Do you have any tips or tricks that could help me build trust and tame it faster? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!

osklvste · Jun 16, 2026

Welcome. Patience is necessary. You can't rush this. 4 days really isn't much time. Don't worry about not becoming tame. You can't base that statement on 4 days. Patience, talk to him, it doesn't matter what you say. Repeat, name, when he does something you like give positive praise. If you work, school, groceries, TV, stream or whatever for company.

verdozo · Jun 17, 2026

Thanks. I will be patience then

. Can you tell me from photo, is it male or female?

Jcas · Jun 17, 2026

I agree with the above ; take your time! What you are doing is good. Let your bird get used to your voice and presence. Moving to a new place is pretty scary for a little bird so do everything you can to keep their environment calm and safe. One thing I like to do is cover one corner of the cage with a blanket to give them a “ safe corner.” Sitting near to the cage and talking quietly to your bird is one of the best ways to bond with them! Cute little bird; I don’t know cockatiels so I can’t say if it’s male or female but someone here will
Probably know!

AMD · Jun 18, 2026

Welcome to the forum! Keep on doing what you are doing. If this tiel was not socialized at the store it just needs lots of time to adjust. As for tiels never becoming tame, I don't agree with that at all. Tiels once they become a part of the family can be very loving birds. As for telling whether it is male or female at 3 months it is very difficult to tell. After 6-12 months there are some signs that help, but the best way is to get it DNA tested if you want to know for sure. Keep a positive attitude when your around this little baby, and your patience will pay off. When you open the cage while sitting with it, have a treat handy so when it does feel comfortable coming out you can offer the treat. I wish you the best of luck.