Abandoned cockatiel

[Nesstabbycat]

Hello there, can anyone help me? My neighbour had an aviary and did a moonlight flit from the property leaving a solitary male cockatiel, I took this bird in, after buying a medium size cage, but what else does this bird need? It was fed a seed/pellet diet, and after ransacking his shed I found some food. The bird is cheerful, sings like a blackbird, and is in good health, but is very very wary of me, he hisses...( I didn't know they did that lol) sleeps with his head inside a bell!!! And is eating drinking well.. What type of toys should I be getting him? And how do I Tame him? He seems to be about 14 months old as he has his full colouring, and I vaguely remember my neighbour getting him as a youngster this time last year. So any advice would be much appreciated. Thank you x

[boomer girl]

I think you already did what was needed and saved him from the situation he was in. I got a giggle out of him sleeping with his head in a bell, you just got to wonder why he does that but it is funny. It sounds like he is healthy and I have a feeling perhaps your neighbour didnt give him much attention so he is hissing because maybe he isnt use to attention, or worse perhaps he is afraid of it. In time he should get use to you. If you sit next to his cage and read a book or anything so he can first get use to you sitting near him. Then talk to him softly and make sure you are eye level or lower then him when your talking to him. I heard if your above them it sometimes makes them nervous but I am not sure if this true. After awhile he should come to know you and hopefully feel comfortable with you.

[Marrie]

Aviary birds often times aren't very tame. You just have to go slow and be patient with him, only handle when needed and let it go at his speed. Sit and talk to him, read to him, sing to him, anything to get him used to you. Then you can begin slowly putting your hand just inside the door, until he's comfortable with that. Then you can add a long treat stick (millet works well) to your hand and let him eat out of that - then begin slowly shortening it as he gets comfortable.

Along with seeds and pellets he should be eating some fresh foods - sweet potato, broccoli, romaine, kale, spinach (in moderation, high oxalates), parsley (same as spinach), etc. You can make a birdy kabob and hang it as a toy, or offer it on a plate, or in a bowl, however he likes it - you will probably have to try a lot of things and a lot of ways of presenting to get him to taste them.

As for toys, sounds like he likes bells other toys to get are shredders, foraging toys, even little things like tooth picks (blunt the ends first so birdy can't poke you or himself), shoelaces (with safe vegetable dyes - usually childrens shoelaces use non-toxic dyes and are safe), toilet paper and roll, etc.

[Nesstabbycat]

Thank you both very much for your help. Its much appreciated. Have planned a shopping trip this weekend to get all that I need! Will keep you posted. But thank you once again x