by SaraU » Sat Mar 21, 2015 3:50 am
My new cockatiel, George, is a few months old (pet shop didn't know exactly) and I have had him for 3 months. As far as I know nothing has happened to traumatise him. He totally avoids my hand or a stick inside the cage, just runs or hops away. He has got to the point where (outside the cage) he will take food from my fingers (but not always, and often approaches very gingerly, grabs it and runs). He will sometimes sit on my knee to nibble a treat if my other (tame) cockatiel Edward is also on my knee. But I can't get any further with getting him to come near me, venture onto my hand for food or to step up. I've tried a target stick and a hand-held perch but he was terrified of them (so was Edward, who otherwise is very tame). What can I do next? I don't seem to be making any progress.