Shy unfriendly 12 week old

[gina11]

I can't seem to get my new cockatiel to do anything. I've had him a little over a week now and no progress. Is this typical of youngsters? He was supposed to have been hand fed.

 

[wrench13]

In a nut shell (ha ha) yes.. you will learn patients with a parrot, young padawan. Move at the birds speed, not yours. You are a big scary.... thing to your parrot. Read read read . Parrots are ruled by their bellies, so find out his favorite and use that to get him like you.

 

[Puck]

Yup, very typical! A week is nothing. He's probably still settling in to his new environment. Give it some time and you'll be BFFs!

 

[smbrds]

I third. Go at his pace. The way to a bird's heart is through their bellies (and time).

 

[LeaKP]

Cockatiels plus millet equals "you are amazing." My tiel was tough too but millet was a great discovery!!!!

 

[gina11]

We made some progress today. We were on the floor together 3 times today. He does like millet and being on the floor. The b
reeder cliped his wings a bit short so if he tries to fly from his cage he drops like a rock. I got him to step up then I take him out of the cage and we sit on the floor together. Thanks for everyone's input.

 

[SilverSage]

Like everyone has said, go at his pace. Unfortunately most breeders don't socialize their babies very well. Hand fed does not equal hand tame.

 

[smbrds]

We made some progress today. We were on the floor together 3 times today. He does like millet and being on the floor. The b
reeder cliped his wings a bit short so if he tries to fly from his cage he drops like a rock. I got him to step up then I take him out of the cage and we sit on the floor together. Thanks for everyone's input.

Progress is better than no progress. That's great. I remember when Baby was that young, how I was practicing stepping up. I still practice to this day but it's more of a small game. Associate a word when he steps up. Make it fun. He is still in his very early stages and hasn't gone through maturing and molting yet. Now is also the time to start introducing more healthy veggies to him, as when they get older it can be harder to get them to try new foods. Check this thread out, it's a helpful reading - http://www.parrotforums.com/cockatiels/59509-new-cockatiel-owner-any-important-tips.html