Ask Lafeber

Cockatiel

I have a hand reared cockatiel. She is now fully weaned and on seeds only. She came from a very good breeder. We brought her home and she is so shy and timid. She will take food from the hand (sunflower seeds) and understands step up….. but bringing her out of her cage onto her play stand or away from her cage at all a d she clusters. Shes not biting or hissing. Just very jumpy. How do I try to encourage her out of the cage and let her know the sitting room is a safe place?

Hi Julie,

Female cockatiels can be more stand offish than the males. Just give her time, talk to her and do things slowly. She will learn to trust you and her environment in time. Never grab her from behind because birds are predators and this triggers her flight or fight instinct. It’s also important to work on her diet and get her off of seeds as a diet or treat, especially the sunflower seeds. I’ll give you some links to help with her training as well as information on a better diet for her.

Teaching Your Bird

Pet Bird and Parrot Behavior

Bird Food Guide

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda