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Post by Deb on Oct 6, 2009 8:42:56 GMT -5
Hi,
I have two cockateils and am not doing very well getting them to even let me handle them? They run from me and hiss. Any suggestions.
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Post by cherylrowland on Oct 6, 2009 8:58:24 GMT -5
Deb,
All I can tell is to keep trying and be as consistent as possible. Did you get the cockatiels because they were rehomed? Tell us the circumstances of you got them and maybe one of the long term breeders can give you a better answer or suggestions.
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Post by tametielsaviary on Oct 12, 2009 16:54:14 GMT -5
Are the cockatiel clipped or flighted? Clipping wings is the first step if the birds are flighted. Taming birds is a long, purposeful and slow process. Forcing the birds to interact my simply cause them to become more frightful.
To grow trust and lessen stress for the birds, help them to associate "humans" with something positive. As Cheryl posted, we really need to know a little more about the birds, their background, etc.
Are they trained to step-up onto a perch? Do they have a favorite food? If they love certain seeds, for instance, sunflowers, REMOVE those from their seed dishes and only offer as a treat. You need leverage, and sometimes a treat can be just that. If they love sunflowers, they will focus on the food and not so much you.
Use the sunflowers as something to get them out of the cage. Hold the sunflower seed on the other side of a perch, so they must reach out and step onto the perch in order to reach the desired treat. Practice this often. Eventually, you will be able to subsititute your forearm for the perch. Because the birds are currently skittish, do not let them perch on your shoulders.
More later, once you have provided more details for us.
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Post by grillodj on Dec 29, 2009 13:21:11 GMT -5
Sorry, I have been away from the board. I am still having the same taming issues. Once I get them out of the cage they are alright. Not great, but alright. I got them together from a breeder. They were born in the store but not hand weaned. They come to the side of the cage when I talk to them. But scream and run when I go in the cage to get them out. They do not step up on anything, yet. I got them in june and they were just 2 months old. They do get excited when i mention their snacks. They love the sunflower. I am going to try removing them from the mix and try coxing them with the snack.
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Post by cherylrowland on Dec 29, 2009 14:56:16 GMT -5
Hi Deb,
I know that the taming of these two tiels can seem frustrating, but you need to be consistent. I really like the advice that was provided by one of the long-term breeders. Keep us informed as to any progress.
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