Ask Lafeber

New cockatiel

Hi I got a cocktail a month ago from pet shop not hand reared, it didn’t take long for him to settle but how long on average does it take before he will sit on my finger. Also my partner is currently recovering from an opp so has been with him every day all day since getting him but I am worried bilbo (my cockatiel) will suffer when he goes back to work. Last one I promise but does the ring around his foot ever get too tight and need to be removed?
Thank you ?

Hi Debbie,

I’ll provide a link that will help you with the taming and training. However, this will take some time since he was not hand reared. Some parent fed cockatiels never do tame down very well. He may seem settled but this could change quickly if you try to handle him.

Since he isn’t tame, he probably won’t have a strong reaction to being alone for longer periods. You can leave a TV or radio on for him to keep it from being too quiet in the house.

His leg band should be OK as long as it is the right size. Unless he somehow injures his leg, the leg band will not be too tight. Some birds seem bothered by a leg band and in that case, an avian vet can remove the leg band for you.

Here is the link I mentioned. Good luck with him!

Caring For Your Bird

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda