Some reassurance?

[Saysmom]

So brought home my baby cockatiel. Male and is 12 weeks old he was rehomed
From someone who got him at 10 weeks and two weeks later had severe allergic response so he is now home! He’s still settling in it’s been two days and he loves to come out and be on me or my daughter constantly. Only thing is will NOT accept pets and scratches. Is this just a new to home thing? Like will he warm up and let us love on him?? He likes to preen himself and fall asleep on us and eat out of hands so I feel he’s showing good comfortable signs. He will let us pet him if he’s in his cage but not when he is sitting on top or on us. Reassurance or tricks to help us to get him to let us touch and let more would be so appreciated!!!!

 

[Saysmom]

Ahaaaa update he’s demanding head scratches now lol chees earring when I stop. Loves this little guy so much already!

 

[Valyndris]

Glad you can pet your new baby now, also welcome to the forums. Cockatiels are usually cuddly birds that love being pet. I had a cockatiel that was just so mushy and followed me everywhere while singing to my big toe (same size as his head).

On the other hand I've had a cockatiel that didn't like hands other than for stepping up. We had to pet him with our forehead or chin, I'm assuming he's like this because he got grabbed by a big scary glove when we got him at the store when he was a baby.

Cockatiels really are amazing and if you haven't already you will fall in love with him so fast.

Does he has a name yet? If not I recommend either Shadow if it's a grey one or Spike always works for anything. Those were my cockatiels names when I had them.

 

[Laurasea]

Congratulations! They are irresistible!! Glad you joined and hope you stick around, plenty to share and learn and we understand just how fabulous parrots are!!

 

[GaleriaGila]

Would you like a quick tour of birdie basics? Here is some stuff that new folks often appreciate.


Here's some reading on bonding for you.
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html
General Parrot Information - Parrot Forum - Parrot Owner's Community
http://goodbirdinc.blogspot.com/2012...n-parrots.html


Most of us swear by our avian vets in the event of health concerns.
Certified Avian Vets
https://abvp.com/animal-owners/find-an-abvp-specialist/
If none are near you...
Avian Veterinarians
http://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803
In my opinion, any of the vets listed here should be better than a regular vet.
International contacts, too.

What's the diet? That's critical for health. Too many are kept on seeds or other poor-nutrition things. They need veggies, legumes, grains... pellets are a good staple. Here's what I use.
http://www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/
I feed Harrison's, supplemented by fresh healthy treats. My first, and later, my current avian vet recommended it. My bird loves the pellets now, but to get him converted, my avian vet suggested putting pellets out all day, and putting seeds (his old diet) out for two 15-minute periods a day. That would sustain him but leave him hungry enough to try new stuff. I presume the same technique could be used to get him to eat other healthy stuff, like fruits and vegetables! My guy was eating pellets in a couple of days, and now I can feed a good variety of other stuff, knowing he has the pellets as a basic. Pellets are out all day... fresh treats a few times a day. I also like Harrison's via mail because I never have to worry about out-of-date products.

Since you're new parront, I'll just drop a note about avoiding teflon pans, which are lethal to birds if even slightly overheated.

I am so glad you found us!

 

[AmyMyBlueFront]

Hi and welcome to the forum

Cockatiels are amazing little creatures! BB came home with me when he was 4.5 months old ( now 3.5 years old) I made a big mistake on spoiling him rotten and now he is sooooo bonded to me it get annoying at times lol. He wants to be with or on me constantly,and constantly tries to "mate" with my hand! . I shoo him away only to have him run up one arm and down the other to do the "chaa-chaa" (as I call it) on my other hand. But I can do just about anything with him. Hold him in my hand,cup his head gently in my hand as he sings away..he LOVES head skritches...and thumb wrestling..at times he gets so worked up that he'll nip my thumb HARD! Most times he'll fly to me when I call him. He is an amazing little guy and seems to always be happy I really need to get a video of my Fluffboy lol


Jim