My cockatiel doesn't know how to grab with his feet?

[rnthurman]

My cockatiel doesn't seem to realize that he can use his feet to hold toys and food. He's healthy, flighted, and sings all day every day; but he just doesn't seem to grasp the concept of his feet used as tools, which no doubt stems from how he was kept before I took him in. Is there some way I can teach him? I think he just never got to learn that particular skill and while it doesn't really hinder him too much, I don't like watching him seem disappointed every time he drops a toy or treat in the floor.

[marie83]

Cockatiels don't generally use their feet for eating, I did have one who did on occasions but it isn't a natural behaviour like it is for other species.

[Wolf]

I do not have cockatiels, so I really do not know how much they do or do not use their feet to grasp foods or other items. I am aware that not all species of parrots use their feet for picking things up. But I am curious as to your statement saying that you thought that how he was kept previously may have interfered with his learning to do this. May I inquire as to how he was kept that causes you to think this? I am also wondering what he does that makes you think that he is disappointed when he drops things on the floor. Would you please share this with me?

[ParrotsForLife]

Cockatiels are not known for holding things with their feet because they are ground eaters and have no need to.

[liz]

For some reason it is rare to see one of my cockatiels stand on one foot. I have one with a missing leg. He never stands up on the other and does not perch.
I was thinking of that just this morning. I have seen wild birds perch on one leg. When I was 4 my father brought me a Starling with a recently missing leg for me to care for until he healed. He perched on one.
They are ground feeders. I feed mine on a big tray in the middle of the room. I was late getting home yesterday and did not get them fed until 6 which is an hour late. When I walked in the house they started calling the loudest I have ever heard from them. They still had some morning food but they wanted seed on time. I had not let go of the tray when they started toward it. Before I got off the floor there were 12 already on it and still chirping at me. I think they were telling me off.

[JessiMuse]

Like everyone else said, they're not known for this. In the wild, they usually eat on the ground, so there is no head. One of mine though does use her foot for certain things, but she's a little clumsy at it. If anything, she uses it more for playing, rather than eating.