Instructions
Trim your cockatiel's wings or have them clipped by a pet groomer. Cockatiels must have their wings clipped to keep them from flying away and getting hurt; having the wings clipped requires them to rely on you and creates a bond.
Sit next to your bird's cage and talk to your bird in a soft voice. Spend time at near your bird's cage while reading or watching television so your cockatiel becomes used to your presence.
Feed your cockatiel treats through the cage to tempt it to interact with you. Use small nuts or fruit as treats.
Open the cage door while sitting next to it and talk to your cockatiel. Wait for it to step out onto the cage door.
Hold out your index finger in front of your cockatiel and make a clicking noise or say a word such as up. When your cockatiel steps onto your finger, feed it a treat. Repeat this from now on every time your cockatiel steps onto your hand.
Carry your cockatiel around with you inside your home as much as possible to bond with your pet.
How to Get Your Cockatiel Familiar With You When You First Get It Home
Cockatiels are a small species of parrot from Australia. Bird lovers who enjoy intelligent, interactive birds keep cockatiels as pets. Cockatiels can learn to mimic human speech, and you can train them to perform tricks such as fetching and bobbing their heads to mimic dancing. Cockatiels are social birds that are happiest when housed with at least one other bird. These parrots may be small, but they have strong personalities and may try to boss around a weak-willed owner.