The Beginners Guide to Taming and Training Your New Cockatiel

You've brought your new baby cockatiel home. You already have the cockatiel cage, equipment, toys and food set up at the house. His wings are clipped, he is certified in good health, and you have the necessary vitamin and mineral supplements on hand. You might have even purchased a playpen for him! You are now planning to spend the next 20-25 years with a friendly, amusing companion that will give you hours of fun and entertainment. You are even thinking of teaching him to talk! Your next task is taming and training your pet bird to fulfill these expectations.

Taming your new pet will take a little time and patience on your part. Many cockatiels, especially the hand-fed and hand-raised ones have naturally good dispositions and will make taming simple. When you first get your new pet home, try to avoid commotion. Take the bird to his training area immediately and let him come out of the pet store's box onto the floor. Kneel down and use soft tones to reassure the bird. Offer your hand for him to hop onto. You might want to wear tight fitting cotton gloves if you think he may bite, but don't use large bulky ones as they may scare the bird.

Work with him on the floor, trying to get the bird to step up onto your hand. You can use a command for this such as "step up!". If he hisses or fluffs his feathers up, don't shy away from him. He's just bluffing. Occasionally some birds will try to bite. If yours does, just tell him "No!" in a loud voice, and remove your hand or finger. You can stuff a piece of millet spray in his beak if he perseveres in this biting mode. Keep on working with the bird until you can get him to step on your hand or finger. Don't let him know that you are afraid of his bite, even if you are. If he learns of your fearfulness, then the first lesson won't be successful