You have just brought your new baby Cockatiel home. Once you put him in the nice new cage you bought, you are ready to play with him. But your little bird is afraid of you – what can you do?
First you have to step back and take some time to get to know your new Cockatiel. Do not be surprised if he sits, hardly seeming to move for the first day or two, especially if he is a very young bird. Be sure to have his food and water close to him, so he will be sure to eat during this time.
You will have to spend time getting him to trust you before you can tame him. Sessions should be short (10 minutes or less) and done several times a day. Each time you achieve one step, repeat it several times until your pet is comfortable with it before moving onto the next step.
Sit by the cage and talk to him or read a book, occasionally looking over at him to say hello or say his name. Speak in a soft and cheerful voice.
When putting food or water in the cage, move slowly and talk to him soothingly.
You should have some small toys in the cage – maybe a bell, ladder, a rope toy or something similar. Watch him to see what he likes to play with. Use his name when you talk to him and he will soon learn that you are talking to him. Before long, he will be looking for you when you call him by name and may even come over to the side of the cage closest to you. Your patience is showing success.
Then you are ready to take the next step in Hand Taming Your Cockatiel.
