Ask Lafeber

Will I ever be able to tame my cockatiel

I’ve had my female cockatiel I think close to 10 years and I’ve never been able to tame her. If I try to go near her she completely freaks out. If she is in her cage she will flap about and fall off her perches and scream. If I just walk past her when she is out of her cage she will fly around my room and scream.. I spend all my free time with her and I have 2 “budgies who I’ve had no issues taming. The only time I can get close to her and even touch her is when she is feeling broody

Hi,

It is unlikely the bird will change her behavior after this much time. If you have reached for her a lot or approached her with your hands, this will explain her extreme fear. It’s best to keep your hands out of view when you are around her and talk to her softly. As long as she is scared of you, there is no chance she will let you handle her. Keep in mind that as a prey species, when you reach for her, she feels like a predator is trying to catch her. I’ll give you the link to our behavior and training pages to help you better understand her.

Pet Bird and Parrot Behavior

Teaching Your Bird

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda