Ask Lafeber

Bonding with your cockatiel

I got my cockatiel 5-6 months ago, she (I think) was 15 weeks when I got her (or so they told me). They also told me she was handfed and friendly. She now will perch and get on my shoulder though she pecks at ears sometimes. And most of the time she doesn’t seem to really want to perch. She doesn’t seem treat driven and will actually only eat millet as a treat, no fruit so far.
Is there anything I can do to help her bond to us better? Should I get her a buddy?

Hi Belle,

Female cockatiels are not always as friendly as the males. I would not get another bird to put in the same cage or they will bond and you won’t be able to handle either bird. I also would stop letting her sit on your shoulder because this puts her in a position of being in control, and her nibbles on your ears may turn into bites. I find it best to keep a bird at eye level or lower. I can give you some links with information on taming and training. You need to e patient with her, ideally her wings need to be trimmed, and don’t expect her to be cuddly like a dog – she will hopefully learn to perch on your finger and allow head scratches.

Caring For Your Bird

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda