Hello everyone, meet A.J and Me.

[A.J - Cockatiel]

Hey everyone,
I'm new, as you might have noticed.

I recently purchased a cockatiel from the S.P.C.A, his name is A.J.
He is adorable, but seems to have a fear of hands (which is understandable). His previous owners had to give him up (and his cage mate) to the S.P.C.A, because they were moving.

At the S.P.C.A he was fine, happy and chirping. The car ride home was.. well loud. He wouldn't stop screaming. So I decided to make lots of noise, so he wouldn't feel alone. (Bad idea!) He instantly began to learn, and think that screaming was okay! At home was just as loud, if not louder.The poor guy was terrified (I can understand that though). So, I gave him time alone in my room, where it was quiet and he could calm down.

Days went by, his new screaming habit began to increase. Screaming every time someone came into the house. Any time someone walked down the stairs, he screamed. So it turned out, I later learned that all I had done was "praise" his screaming, but giving him plenty of attention.

Anyway, he next weekend, I moved him up into the family room, so he could be part of the family. It seemed fine, because he had calmed down and would allow my hands to enter in and out of the cage, without completely freaking out. Time passed, and he and I had slowly become acquainted. Things seemed fine..

But then the weekend was over, he was alone, with his toys, food, and everything else he needed. After coming home from a full day of school, I received news that my brother had to put up with his 24/7 screaming. This frustrated me, and gave me the "I'm at a loss of what to do" feeling (I can honestly say I despise that feeling).
After receiving that news, I bought him a ladder and a small mirror. It seemed to help, because he would climb on his ladder and "Wolf whistler" at himself through the mirror.

So, that is the beginning (and most definitely not the end) of A.J's and mine's story, of progress and hope.

Small Update: I attempted the seed on the hand trick again, and he looked at me curiously, then he took a miraculous step towards my hand! A touch of progress!

Thanks for listening, and I plan on keeping you all updated if you so wish to hear.
P.s - I'm so sorry if I missed small details, but it's late and I'm doing my best. =)
Oh, and pictures coming soon.

[mighty mouse]

to TF! Glad to hear you two are coming along

[Kalessan]

check out www.birdtricks.com
They have an excellent video on bird screaming, as well as taming tricks.
Just give your email and they send you tips everyday for a couple weeks.

[ellenant]

Hi there!
I wish you and your tiel all the best!

[Pootspete]

[Agnes]

Welcome to TF. Looking forward to those pictures.

[BrandonK]

WTTC. Screaming can be a tough one, hang in there.

[Dawn loves doves]

Hi, and good luck with AJ.

[sunbirdx]

Welcome TF and thanks for sharing your story! It sound like you and A.J. are making steady progress.

[A.J - Cockatiel]

Thank you so much everyone for your friendly welcomes. ^-^
I found out that he didn't scream at all today! I'm so glad he finally
decided to stop. But I'm pretty sure the mirror outside of his cage helped.

[A.J - Cockatiel]

So, just a few minutes ago, I decided to begin to spritz A.J with water. To help his dry feathers. At first he was wondering what was going on, and then he began to spread out his wings, go upside down on his perch (his wings facing me), allowing me and wanting me to spray his under wings.

I'm glad he enjoyed it, I was afraid I might have to gradually do it to get him use to it. Although, I wouldn't mind it too much. ^-^

[BrandonK]

Yuppers, some fids just loooove getting wet!

[Snowball]

Mine sit near a large sliding glass door. I find the light can bother them, so we keep the shade pulled by the cage and partially cover the cage during the day helps keep them calm.

[leopard]

Welcome