How old should a cockatiel be before you handle it?

It's generally recommended to wait until a cockatiel is at least 8-10 weeks old before handling it regularly. At that age, cockatiels are usually well-feathered and strong enough to be handled without causing them stress or injury. However, it's important to approach handling in a gentle and gradual way to avoid scaring or overwhelming your cockatiel.

Here are a few tips for handling a cockatiel:

1. Start by slowly approaching your cockatiel's cage. Talk to it in a soothing voice to help it get used to your presence.

2. Once your cockatiel seems comfortable with your presence, try offering it a treat through the cage bars. This will help build trust and positive associations with you.

3. As your cockatiel becomes more comfortable with you, you can try placing your hand inside the cage. Let it explore your hand at its own pace, and don't force it to come to you.

4. If your cockatiel seems relaxed and comfortable, you can try gently picking it up. Support its body with one hand and use your other hand to gently cradle its head and neck.

5. Always handle your cockatiel with care, and avoid sudden movements or loud noises that could startle it.

6. Keep handling sessions short at first, and gradually increase the time as your cockatiel becomes more comfortable.

Remember that every cockatiel has its own unique personality and may take different amounts of time to warm up to handling. Be patient and gentle with your cockatiel, and it will eventually come to trust you and enjoy your companionship.