Ask Lafeber

Baby Cockatiel

I recently purchased a three month old cockatiel. He seems very skittish. He just stays on his perch all day. He will perch on our finger long enough to fly off and fall to the floor just to sit there unmoved in the same place. I am afraid he is not eating or drinking enough. Is this normal behavior for a baby cockatiel? What can I do to make him feel comfortable and safe?

Hi Jan,

He probably needs more time to get used to his new home. You can talk to him and try to handle him some, but don’t overdo it. Here is a link to several articles that can help you know what to do and how to tame and train him.

Caring For Your Bird

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda