How to Tame a Cockatiel Quickly

Cockatiel taming and training requires patience and dedication, but if you possess these qualities, this process can be completed quickly and enjoyably. As you socialize your pet, you will watch her transform from a skittish bird to a trusting creature that will eat from your hand and eventually perch on your finger and shoulder. With the right dedication, you can develop a fulfilling relationship with your bird, and experience the benefits of owning a friendly, happy pet.

Things You'll Need

  • Small cage
  • Public room with lots of human activity
  • Cockatiel treats
  • Feed
  • Water
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Instructions

    • 1
      Soon, you'll be able to get this close to your new pet.

      Place the bird in a small cage in which the bird can become socialized. Introduce your new cockatiel to your family and home by placing the cage in a public or family room, before you transfer the bird to a larger outdoor cage or an aviary. This way it can become accustomed to people before returning to a more wild setting.

    • 2
      You'll be bff's in no time.

      Stand near the cage often in order to help your cocktail adjust to human interaction. If you want to tame your cockatiel quickly, you will need to commit to three or four 10-minutes sessions each day, keeping the sessions brief to avoid overwhelming the bird and allow it to rest. While it is possible to train a cockatiel with just one short interactive session each day, your bird will become friendly more quickly the more sessions you provide. Of course, different birds have different personalities, which will affect the swiftness with which your cockatiel becomes tame.

    • 3

      Initiate contact gradually. During the first week, conduct activity near the cage, but don't get too close. The bird must be able to see you without becoming frightened. Once you name your bird, call its name softly whenever you approach the cage or feed your cockatiel. In this way she will become accustomed to your voice.

    • 4

      Remain close to the cage after bringing food so that the bird learns to trust you and eat in your presence. If at first she refuses to take the food, move slightly farther from the cage. As you repeat this process, you can decrease the space between yourself and the cage.

    • 5
      Look at the progress you've made!

      Offer food directly from your hand. Put a small amount of food in the bird's bowl. When she eats it and wants more, offer it from your hand. If she refuses to take it, place it in the bowl. Repeat until the bird will eat from your hand. Once your cockatiel will eat from your hand, she is tamed and comfortable with your presence. You can now offer your finger and shoulder as perches.