My Cockatiel Won't Go in the Cage

Cockatiels are beautiful but sometimes temperamental birds. Upon returning home for the first time with your new pet, it̵7;s important to introduce the cage in a manner that is as stress free as possible. You want the cockatiel to associate interacting with you with pleasant activities; otherwise it may quickly learn to resist you with biting and pecking.

  1. Size and Placement

    • Make sure you have a clean and comfortable cage for your bird. If you do, the cockatiel is more likely to think of it as a pleasant shelter, rather than a prison. As a rule, the size of the cage should be at least twice the size of the bird̵7;s wingspan. The larger the cage, the better for the cockatiel. Place the cage in an area that is free from drafts and too much sunlight. Also be sure that the cage is far enough above the ground that it won̵7;t be disturbed by pets or children.

    Introducing the Cage

    • When you bring your cockatiel home from the store, it̵7;s already been through some trauma ̵1; your new pet has been removed from its home, put in a box and taken on a car ride. Help facilitate the adjustment to the new cage by having the cage prepped and ready for your bird before you bring it home. When it̵7;s time to put the cockatiel in its new home, don̵7;t reach your hand in the container to take out the bird. It̵7;s stressed and will not respond kindly ̵1; it may even bite. Instead, open the box close to the cage so that the bird̵7;s only exit option is to go inside the cage. Once in its new home, the bird should be left alone for anywhere from several hours to a full day, to get acclimated and a bit more relaxed.

    Returning to the Cage

    • Sometimes a cockatiel is reluctant to return to its cage after having been free to fly around the room for a time. If this is the case, try dimming the lights. This will trick the cockatiel into thinking its nighttime, and it will be more relaxed and receptive to returning to its cage. Corner the bird and gently scoop it up into your hands, then place it back in its home. If the bird resists this approach, get a towel to cover the cockatiel and gently transport it to its cage.

    Calming and Training Tips

    • Getting the bird to return to its cage is easier if you̵7;ve spent some time building trust with your pet. If you give the cockatiel treats that it eats out of your hand, it will associate your hand with food and be more likely to allow you to handle it. Feeding the bird in this manner will also help you to ̶0;hand tame̶1; your pet. The goal in hand taming is to get your bird to ̶0;step up̶1; ̵1; meaning use your finger as a perch. When you offer your hand as a perch, make sure it̵7;s palm down, which the bird will find less threatening. Always talk to your bird in a calm soothing voice.