A Basic Guide to Cockatiel Training
If you have acquired a new cockatiel, you may have a few questions about cockatiel training. Before you begin any kind of training techniques, it’s important that you understand the cockatiel’s temperament first. The cockatiel is considered to be one of the best “beginner’s” birds because they are so friendly and calm. The male cockatiel is more likely to be talkative and exert independence, while a female is more likely to be on the quiet side and a bit needier for their owner’s affection. The good thing about cockatiels is that you won’t have to put in as much one-on-one time as you would with a larger bird such as a parrot.
The first step in training your cockatiel is gaining its trust. If your pet cockatiel is brand new to you, it can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks before it is comfortable having contact with you. Many people make the mistake of trying to “get it over with” and forcing the cockatiel to be held, but this can in fact have the opposite effect to gaining a bird’s trust. You want him to trust you, not be frightened into submission. Remind yourself often that the bird needs time to adjust to his new environment and that he will come around when he is ready.
You can start out by approaching the cage gently and slowly. If the bird begins to appear nervous (breathing rapidly, flapping his wings, or squawking), back away as a means to show him that you mean no threat. Try this about three times a day until the bird no longer seems to mind your presence near his “turf”. Next, try sticking a finger in the cage or your entire hand if the cockatiel doesn’t seem to mind. Keep building these occurrences until you can physically stroke the bird without a fuss. When he’s ready, he will step onto an offered finger or hand and allow you to remove him from the cage.
Once you have accomplished this, allow your cockatiel to roam around the house—supervised, of course. Don’t hover over his shoulder, as it could set him on edge. Hang out nearby so that if a loud noise or an object spooks him, he can seek out your protection. Running to you when he is scared is a definite sign that he is learning to trust you as both a provider and protector. Just keep allowing your cockatiel to venture out of the cage a few times a day until he seems perfectly comfortable with his surroundings.
With cockatiel training, you can’t approach it like you would a dog or a cat. Most cockatiels won’t need you to prove your dominance as master—they don’t really work that way. They are affectionate creatures that are perfectly happy to entertain others and be entertained. Once your cockatiel is comfortable in his new home, he will jump at the opportunity to impress his favorite buddy (that’s you!) by imitating you. The more you talk to your cockatiel or whistle around him, the quicker he will learn these actions and copy them. You can even make a game out of whistling back and forth!
Now, a cockatiel may show behavior that can only be described as a mild form of aggression if it does not get enough exercise or interaction. A bird that can talk and whistle is smart enough to identify boredom for what it is and can act out if it feels it is being neglected. A bit of mental stimulation and play time every day will definitely benefit your bird’s overall quality of life, as well as your relationship.
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of basic cockatiel training. As long as you are patient with your new pet and show respect for his need to adapt (and, of course, tend to all of his physical needs), you two should easily become great companions! Best of luck!