New Cockatiel Owner - Just a couple of questions.

[DHCobbler]

Hey guys, So, I got Homer about a week and a half ago. Apparently he's only about 6 months old, so this is maybe where I've already answered my own question.

I don't think he was ever hand fed, I got him off some guy who said he got him from a pet shop, I'm not sure how long ago, but I'd imagine only a few months ago. I gave him time to settle in, which I believe he's perfectly fine now as he's eating on his own, chirping away, but when ever I put my hand in ever so slowly, he'd back away, it's only been recently where instead of running away, he'll stay there but he'll bite me, which isn't hard.

I thought I'd let him out of the cage for the first time a couple of days ago just to let him fly around, get used to the room a bit more and have a bit of freedom, as it makes me sad just seeing him in the cage all the time.

So, question is, what can I do to tame him a bit more. He won't eat off my hand, despite me moving slowly. He just backs away and starts moving around the cage. Also trying to put my finger under his belly to try and get him to step up hasn't happened yet.

The other day though, I caught him when he was out of the cage and despite him biting me, I put him back in the cage, but for a good few minutes he did put his head down and briefly let me stroke the top of his head. He also done this earlier today, but it's very hit and miss.

I know it's going to take a while before he's tame, and he can just step up, sit on my shoulder and I look forward to when he does, but just any advice really on what I can do to make him trust me more.

 

[crystalynnbearr]

sounds like you're doing a good job! You just gotta be persistent, don't give up! Keep on fooling with him, every day. Eventually he'll realize that he can trust you.

 

[MonicaMc]

Have you tried feeding millet by hand?


Have you tried feeding him first thing in the morning before he eats?



[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9w9w8nMRmw"]Hesitant Faye - YouTube[/ame]




[ame="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rH9ZWxhCSAE"]Not So Hesitant Faye - YouTube[/ame]

 

[DHCobbler]

Hey all,

Well it's been a couple of weeks and I've certainly made some progress now. He will attempt to eat a little from my hand which is good. The only problem I'm having at the moment is getting him to just come onto my hand casually, when he's in the cage, I can catch him and he will nibble but after a while settles down after a few little strokes and then he will sit on my finger/hand. He will now let me stroke him outside of his cage, I just wiggle my finger over his head and say good boy and he will now bend his head down and likes to be rubbed at the back of his head.

Any tips on getting him to come onto my hand? He just runs away and tries to bite me when my hand is there. Is it just he's still scared of my hand?

Here he is a few days ago, first time on my hand.

 

[MonicaMc]

It's good that you've made some progress!


Have you tried using millet or a favored treat at all to teach him to step up?

Living With Parrots Cage Free: Bucky and Strider - Millet Eating Fiends!

 

[Colorguarder08]

The nibbles can also be testing the perch to make sure its sturdy and so as long as the nibbles don't hurt don't move your hand otherwise keep doing what your doing