Ask Lafeber

Aggressive Cockatiel

I have a Male cockatiel, I’ve had him for a few years and have never gotten him to bond with me. I got him when he was a few years old and can tell he was most likely abused. Both of his feet have been cut off (from before I adopted him) and he’s very fearful of hands. I would’ve thought after a few years he would come to find I would never harm him. I’ve been slowly handling him for a little at a time for years with no improvement. With no feet I understand he is a special needs pet and have all special perches and toys for him. Would a cage mate be my best option? I just want him to be happy and have social interaction.

Hi Brianna,

Adult cockatiels are almost impossible to tame even under the best circumstances. This little guy is in a safe home now, but if he was going to come around he would have by now. I’m just not sure about getting him a companion because he might get bullied, whether you get a male or female. Give him plenty of toys to keep him busy and even a mirror or two. Stick to talking to him and don’t try to handle him. He may ever get over his fear of hands. But if you keep your hands away and talk to him, he may begin to respond once he learns you aren’t going to try to handle him. This is probably his best option. You could get another bird, even a tame cockatiel, and keep it in another cage and at least they could communicate. But unless you can find another cockatiel with foot or leg issues, I feel a physically sound bird would be a risk to him.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda