So, you have an adorable cockatoo, but they don’t trust you and want nothing to do with you. I guess you didn’t get a new pet to make them look cute, you want to have a real relationship. And the truth is, your cockatiel won’t be happy either until he’s tamed – cockatiels need social relationships to be happy.
I know you’re wondering how to turn that quivering, biting feather devil into a loving partner, so let’s get started.
Step 1: habituation
To begin with, we will use the same approach that scientists use when they want to study wild animals. You’ll just spend time around your cockatoo and let it get used to being around you, so they can see that nothing bad happens when you’re around.
Just spend time near their cage, perhaps speaking to them in a low, reassuring voice, which will help comfort them. Stay calm and relaxed, and have gentle energy around you. If you approach your cockatiel with enthusiasm or intensity, at this point, you will only make them anxious, and the goal is to make them feel relaxed around you.
In this first step we are not giving positive reinforcement through treats, sounds or head scratching. The reward they get is that they end up feeling relaxed and calm in a situation that made them nervous at first.
After a few sessions like this, you will find that your cockatoo does not seem bothered by your presence, and it is time to move on to the next step.
Step 2: Manual domestication
This is where it gets fun, because you can start interacting with your cockatiel more closely. You need to stock up on bird treats (millet spray will work just fine) because you will be using it to bribe your cockatoo to come closer to you.
To get started, simply spread some millet across the bars, near a perch, and wait for your cockatoo to pluck up the courage to come get some. It may take a while, but eventually their desire for millet will overcome their fear of you.
Repeat the last part a few times, until your feathered friend comes over and takes the millet right away.
The next step is to open the cage door, reach in and offer the millet. This time, your cockatoo has to come and receive the treat without any obstacles between you. They shouldn’t be long in coming to get it.
After your cockatiel is comfortable with it, simply put a small piece of millet in your palm and offer it. Your cockatoo will have to come up and put his head in your hand to get the prize. At this point, your cockatoo is comfortable with your hand very close to it, very well done.
Finally, it’s time to start making your cockatoo sit on your hand. To do that, simply reach out slowly and place your hand on your lower abdomen, pushing it slightly, until you step on your hand. They have to step to keep from falling, but they will probably jump right away the first few times.
If you are bitten while doing this part, it is very important not to put your hand away or make a fuss. I know those spikes can hurt, but if you give your cockatoo that kind of reaction, it will keep biting you, because it works.
Once your cockatiel climbs onto your hand smoothly, you are ready to remove it from the cage. Congratulations on going so far, and I hope you enjoy building a wonderful relationship with your bird.