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Cockatiels are social creatures. They need the assurance that they
are not in solitary confinement. They need to know that they
belong. At very opportunity let the bird
know that it is a part of a flock. Call to it as
often as possible. Pet it. Take it on your arm
and set it down whenever you get the
chance. Feed it whenever the family sits
down to a meal.
And talking of feed find out the feeds your pet readily takes to.
Ask the breeder you buy the bird from or take the advice of
people in the know and stick to those feeds only. The right
quantities is another important consideration.
Cage size, cage location, light and night, a place where the bird
can be alone if it wants to, relative quiet, are all important
considerations. The air surrounding the cage should be free of
chemical dust.
Don't get into arguments in the bird's presence. It is important
Training
for the bird to know that it is part of a happy flock. Cockatiels
are so intelligent that they know when all is not well. This
knowledge leads to stress and anxiety.
Do whatever is necessary to keep the bird in good health. Make
sure it is free of internal and external parasites.
Cockatiels don't know what good behavior is. They don't know if
what they are doing is right or wrong. From simple words of
appreciation the bird will know that it has done something that
has earned our appreciation. This encouragement will enforce
good behavior.
On the other hand, when bad behavior needs to be discouraged,
reprimand the bird. Again the use of simple words of restraint
and a stern glance will tell the bird that it has done something
wrong that has made us angry.
Don't ever punish the bird. Just the same as it does not know
what bad behavior is, it does not understand punishment. And
no quick-fixes please. This will only worsen the situation.
Remember the focal point of any successful training is you and
Training
the biggest investment you will have to make
is time. Reward, reprimand, time and
patience will ensure that you not only have a
properly behaved bird, but a bird that is
willing and capable of learning every trick in
the book and beyond.
Besides training your bird to perform tricks you will want to
share a special relationship with it, play with it, cuddle with it
etc. No matter how close you are to your bird, you should
respect its space and privacy. Sometimes they might bite you
inadvertently while playing, so you will have to be
doubly careful. Do not get your pet overexcited as
this will lead to biting. You should closely study
your bird's mood patterns and their body language.
By doing this, you will be able to preempt bad
behavior. If you watch closely, your bird will
communicate with you. He or she will tell you when
they want to return to the cage or have had enough of play for
The Beginning of a Relationship
Training
the moment.
Although it seems impossible, you will be able to pet your bird.
Cockatiels enjoy petting and it will also help strengthen your
relationship with the bird. But petting a bird
isn't like petting a dog, as you will have to
be very gentle. You will have to be cautious
and not grab the bird. The first step will be
to gain your pet's trust. There are three
methods of getting your bird to let you touch it.
If the bird is of good and even temperament, you can try this
method. Get your pet to step onto your index and clamp your
thumb over his front toes. This will give it a sense of security. In
due course of time, it will be confident enough to flap its wings.
Use a padded dowel if your bird has a tendency to bite. A
Petting
1. Band Method
2. Padded Dowel
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