Cockatiel gender?

[captwest]

Third question (sorry, they keep coming!) is how can I get him to appreciate petting?

Petting is not really peting to your bird,to a bird "petting is really preening, which is something a bird only lets someone trusted do (mate,Flock mate etc ) It may or may not come in the future but you need to gain your birds trust first.If you want to really bond with your bird learn to preen and you can really endear yourself with your pet.

[MJD17]

Third question (sorry, they keep coming!) is how can I get him to appreciate petting?

Petting is not really peting to your bird,to a bird "petting is really preening, which is something a bird only lets someone trusted do (mate,Flock mate etc ) It may or may not come in the future but you need to gain your birds trust first.If you want to really bond with your bird learn to preen and you can really endear yourself with your pet.

Definitely working on it, only thing that sucks is that it can be such a slow process! Oh well, it's only day 2 and he's content to sit on my shoulder and step up without biting, I'll consider that a success

Managed two more pics I thought might help anyone interested in the guessing game...They show the spots (which end half way toward his body as well as show off the yellow of his face more.

[kaylayuh]

You're doing great for only having been a parrot owner for two days. I've had my budgies for eight months and they still don't reliably step up and often avoid me like the plague!

Also, seeing a baby Cockatiel is making me want one even more.

[Julsiebean]

Awww baby tiels are the stuff dreams are made of. Gosh I miss having one. Nothing like the love of a sweet cockatiel.

Kudos to you, your fid is in good hands. Male or female, your in for a wonderful friendship with your new baby.