How to Tame Your Cockatiel & Bond With Them! | BirdNerdSophie

I hope your enjoyed learning how to bond with your cockatiel and how to tame them!
Cockatiel Care Guide: • Cockatiel Care Guide |...
Diet guide: • What Should Feed Your ...
Cockatiel behaviours: • Cockatiel Behaviours a...
Cockatiel sounds: • Cockatiel Sounds and T...
Treat hierarchy: • Parrot Treat Taste Tes...
Trust: • 10 Tips to Get Your Pa...
Target training: • Parrot Training Tutori...
ABOUT ME 🙋‍♀️:
Hi everyone, I'm Sophie, also known as BirdNerdSophie, and I make educational and entertaining parrot care content! I've been working professionally with animals since 2009 across different jobs including working as a zoo keeper, animal trainer, zoo presenter, animal care lecturer and farmer! I have been lucky enough to work with parrots of all sizes, including: blue and gold macaws, yellow naped Amazons and budgies! I have a First Class BSc (Hons) in Animal Behaviour and Welfare specialising in birds, and I have a growing flock of parrots who I love!
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MY FLOCK 🦜:
Chip 💛 - Pied cockatiel
Fish 💜 - Grey cockatiel
Pickles 💚 - Pineapple turquoise green cheeked conure
Scampi ❤ - Yellow sided green cheeked conure
Olive 💙 - Turquoise yellow sided green cheeked conure
Kipling ❤ Crimson bellied conure
Louis 💛 Cinnamon green cheeked conure
Charlie ❤ Crimson bellied conure
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🙋‍♂️ David’s Channel: / theparrotteacher
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CONTACT 📧:
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#parrots #birds #cockatiel

[@TAYLOR8mm]

It's been 14 days since I got my cockatiel, hes still scared but not much anymore. I sit next to him every day, I talk nicely to him, I sing to him. Watch tv. I'm using millet as a treat to bond with him and hes eating from my hand now and getting closer to me, NEVER forcing anything. I think I'm doing a great job and patience IS THE KEY. I used to have a parakeet that passed away and we were bonded, he was my best friend and would not leave me alone (I miss him so much) so I'm pretty much following the same bonding/taming steps I did with my parakeet. Cant wait for Alfredo to love me 🥰 soon.... I'm excited and I know its gonna be rewarding! I also made bird chop and I feed 2x a day mixed with the seed he was eating at the pet store.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

You are doing an awesome job! Going at their own pace is so crucial and it builds and amazing relationship! 💙

[@TAYLOR8mm]

@@BirdNerdSophie thank you so much! your videos are amazing and so educational. and yes, going at their own pace is the best option. I'm not in a rush, of course I want him to love me asap but I know that's gonna happen eventually 🙏🏻 birds are amazing creatures and I'm so happy I have a bird again in my life.

[@Theinsomniacs2]

I bought new cockatiels and they are amazing but the problem is they are not used to me and I haven’t bonded with them I woke up in the morning and I was reading them a book I think I should just spend time near them the names are lexi and milo I hope I can bond with them soon!

[@buzzybalms8690]

This is my second day with cockatiels, I got 2 sunny and pico, I know this is right but I really want them to love me lol

[@evfredericks]

Can you help me. I got a 7 month old female cockatiel,she was raised in a colony aviary. There was 1 other cockatiel with her and lovebirds and budgies. She was never taught to step up ,only free flying.I am leaving her alone,she runs back and forth ,and jumps up and down,trying to get out. I put my hand in and don’t move it,but she just runs under it. She is only interested in getting out and when she hears your birds,she chirps.what can I do to calm her down and relax?

[@arthurcruz6980]

My cockatiel loved hearing trying to talk to the others in the background 😂😂🫶🏽

[@BirdNerdSophie]

That’s so cute 😊

[@indithebudgie]

Respecting body language is so important! They're so complex, the way I learnt how to read budgie body language was just by constantly observing them and how they reacted to every situation, and that way I could connect the times they displayed a certain behaviour and figure out what it meant! They give so many subtle signs that can mean different things in different scenarios, it's difficult to learn what they mean just from videos!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Observing is them is so important! Even their subtle feather movements can indicate how they feel! There are a lot of videos of bird behaviour and meanings online which are really inaccurate which is concerning!

[@axotheaxolotl2095]

I am axolotl I want cockatiel

[@toastedsniper9248]

DUDE that pokemon thing in the background on your wall is so ssickkkkkkkkkk omg that's so freakin cute

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thank you 😁

[@charliesflock659]

Id reccomed to everyone getting their new bird, to interact day 1. This doesn't mean to touch and cuddle them (Unless they are comfortable) but just let them explore your house, get a play stand, let them watch you and the family OUT of the cage. Letting them 'settle in" can lead to them being cage territorial and doesn't help a lot in bonding and traing. Having a good diet, proper cage, toys, perches and training techniques. Then just go at their pace and respect their body langue.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

I am all for interacting on day one but from my experience, I don’t feel that little birds do well coming straight out. We made this mistake with Chip and Fish and they crash landed and spooked and panic flew round the room multiple times, we were lucky they didn’t injure themselves, and these were ‘hand tame and friendly’ baby birds. Also if a bird doesn’t know how to step up or isn’t confident in the bee hone it has got to, then people will possibly have problems getting them back into their cage. It’s a very overwhelming experience coming to a bee hone with bee people, and I prefer to let them observe their surroundings first. We haven’t experienced cafe territorial behaviour with our birds, but if people don’t allow them out for a long time, I’m sure that can happen. I know there are other youtubers who say get them out immediately etc but it’s not something I agree with based on my experience! But as I say, I’m all for interaction from day one of the bird is receptive to it! Treats, chatting etc! Thanks for watching 💙

[@charliesflock659]

@@BirdNerdSophie Thats a rough experince! And everyone has their own opions (I respect yours, thanks for respecing mine) Ive just found in my experince that when I let my first birds "settle in" it took so much longer to get them to just step up (8 months) rather than my rescue teil, in 2 months she was enyoing head scratches. I do know every bird is diffrent. But she was also very cage territoral. I also think training is the great way to go

[@norakiss9267]

Just got a 3 month old i let him out he knows how to step up but refuses most of the time he flies up near to the ceiling and i can barely get him down but he also refuses to be in his cage since he grew up flying free in a huge room idk what to do lol

[@rayyanislam945]

I love how she has little intermissions of the boys goofing around

[@BirdNerdSophie]

They love to show off :)

[@danielkanejr]

I found my cockatiels at a local pet shop just before the holiday. They were given to the shop because the owner couldn't take them to their new place out of state they told me. It's been less than a week, but they are making remarkable progress. The girl Evee is always wanting outside of cage time and constantly asking for pets and attention. The male Edwin is still very shy and hesitant but he's not running away from me anymore. Thank you for your video, it's been very informative and helpful in my new journey with my cockatiels. I have a pair of budgies who are beyond timid so I was worried that I wouldn't be able to make much progress with my new birds.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Congrats on your new flock members, and glad to hear that they are making good progress! The techniques will work with your budgies too 😊

[@candicet5973]

This vid is so correct!! Ppl who is trying to tame ur tiel, GO WATCH THIS VID OR U'LL REGRET IT!!! (me now wishing that I saw this vid while taming Fluffy and Tiki)

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Haha glad you liked it!

[@laura.adriana]

I’m in the process of taming, not one, but TWO cockatiels (both males) I’ve had them since July last year, and I remember coming across this video only about 2 months ago?? Any videos I’ve watched before this one did NOT mention anything about passive interaction, so after finding this video, I started from scratch. I began doing passive interaction with both my birds, and was consistent with it. Almost immediately I noticed a change in their behavior. Overtime, they became less frightened when I’d walk near their cage, and just yesterday they both ate a treat that I held in my hand, which was a HUGE milestone for them :). Overall, I just wanted to say that I’m very happy that I stumbled upon this video. It’s very informative and I would definitely recommend it to any new cockatiel owner :)

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Hi Laura, thanks for watching! I'm so pleased that you have found this video useful 😊💙

[@lauratempestini5719]

Thank you for this introduction in how to befriend and build trust!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bambookat8796]

thank you, such great advice! I am getting my cockatiel this weekend. I did have one many years ago, they are delightful, sweet birds!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@BlueBeeXD03]

Soon I’m about to get a cockatiel and this video really helps!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@mrfugnut0988]

Very informative, getting my first cockatiel very excited thank you

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad you enjoyed it! 😊

[@Gladiator6]

We have had ours for around 3 years now we used to get him out all the time but we haven’t had enough time recently and it seemed like he lost trust a bit but this helped us get him back to loving us again

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad you found it useful!

[@StrawbelleIS-THE-BEST-WOW]

This is one of the channels I trust most!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Aw thank you so much 💙😊

[@onl4180]

Hi Sophie, as always a very informative video again It will help me a lot with training and bonding Apu now I'm recovering from my surgery. Now I have a lot of time for it! Keep up the good work, a lot of people learn a lot from your video's. Many many thanks for all the time you put in it. Greetings from Belgium, Wim.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thanks Wim, wishing you a speedy recovery!

[@playstationk7h_x469]

Thank you ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@alyssarodriguez5948]

currently sitting next to my new and first cockatiel watching your videos ❤

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Congrats on your new feathered friend 😊

[@joannfritsch6391]

Thank you so much for this video! I'm going to see some 4 week old Cockatiels tomorrow but am trying to get as much information about caring for one before I make this important decision. Many years ago my family was given a Cockatiel from a friend who couldn't care for it anymore and it was never really that friendly. After seeing your video ,and many others, I now know why. It takes a lot of time and patience to have a good relationship with a bird. Again, thank you so much for your very informative video. I will definitely be watching more of them.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thank you so much for watching 💙😊

[@Chemical_Daze]

Thank you so much it’s been two weeks and my cockatiels will already fly to me and step up

[@BirdNerdSophie]

That's awesome 😍

[@gerardovenegas4610]

Thank you for these videos!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@awadwatches]

Thank you so much for these helpful information it works with my birds

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[@zeeby_]

Another super useful video!!!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@jeansmuffin1289]

So close to 5k😀😀.Amazing tips🥰🥰

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thank you 💙😊

[@_melodyx]

amazing tips!! thank you for the insightful video 🥰🥰 been doing months and months worth of research on birds (specifically budgies and tiels) so that im prepared when i have my own!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad you sniped the video 😊

[@Angelica83948]

Sooo cute ❤

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thank you!

[@lemoncarrot]

hi.i have 1 n half years old tiel.i just got them yesterday.ive been watching your videos.keep it up. i wish i can get my tiel tamed soon ☺️

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Congrats on your new feathered friend! 💙😊 thanks for watching!

[@agimnasticaa1719]

Wow..thank you so much! Your advices are really helpful. Regards from Greece.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad it was helpful! 😊

[@sharonpreston5224]

Wow I love this video, thanks for all your tips, they are great. I have got a young Cockatiel and hes gorgeous. 😎🤗❤️

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad you enjoyed it 💙😊

[@RRGMOTORS]

Hi Sophie, excellent informative video

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad you liked it - thanks for watching 😊

[@andymeeh1577]

i love your videos keep up the good work

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thank you so much! 😍

[@ricardosalinas4020]

Your birds are beautiful great advice and I love Pokémon card with birdies so cool ❤

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thanks so much 😊

[@S0ulz0mqieAnimation]

I watched this vid in my living room where my bird is and he started chirping when he heard yours 🤣🤣

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Haha this happens a lot apparently 🤣

[@OmarOwera]

thank you a lot lot looot siss your so nicee 💙💙

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@hmsdhh]

Useful video

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad you think so!

[@redeyeboy2097]

Thanks for saying how to tame

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thanks for watching!

[@leehenkel]

I just got my cockatiel yesterday and your videos have been SUCH a big help! I was originally planning on getting two male lovebirds but somehow I ended up falling in love with her, which was a bit impulsive of me and I thought I would struggle a lot since I didn’t know as much about them, but taking care of her so far has been such a delight. I can tell she’s still a little skittish around me, and I’ve been very patient with her but overall she’s been a lot more comfortable than I would’ve expected. I realised she was actually more or less hand trained already because she has no problem stepping up on my fingers or even sitting on my shoulder! Although my nails are a bit long so she’s always trying to nibble on them lol. She’s still a baby so I was told to keep her on formula and small seeds for now, but when she’s old enough I can’t wait to start giving her treats :) It’s actually too early to tell her gender but I think she’s a girl so far? I’ll find out eventually haha. Anyways, I’m honestly really lucky to have not had many problems so far. She’s so sweet and even lets me pet and scratch her already - thank you for all of the tips you provide! I know this video is a bit old but so many of them have been an absolute saviourr

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thank you so much for watching and congrats on your new feathered friend 🥰

[@saltandlight2311]

My Daughter had several love birds and even the hand-feed one was a fight one. Just got a cockatiel and oh what a breath of fresh air she is great. I love these videos too, you made the right choice! :)

[@leehenkel]

@@saltandlight2311 I really did! It’s already been almost 3 weeks and I just don’t have any regrets at all. She’s become absolutely obsessed with head scratches haha, she’s usually quiet but the second I stop petting her she just chirps (or sometimes screeches) at me until I start again which I honestly find hilarious. She’s also veryy dramatic, but still the cutest thing ever

[@saltandlight2311]

Go us! Scary when mine gets cracky and bites a little harder I try not to react and use positive ending and give her space. We go for walks on the land and she has seeds and stuff. Good fun.

[@naeemahahmad5694]

Omg ur soo close to 5k subscribers!!!! Woohoo!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Exciting 😊💙

[@naeemahahmad5694]

@@BirdNerdSophie yeah 🤗💕

[@ornithologydude8649]

Useful video! Catching up with some videos lol

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Haha lots of viewing material!

[@tjmccoy9880]

I just bought a bird two days ago and pulled out the box and she was on my finger, later that day she wanted to sit on my shoulder and now she is flying to me, kissing me, bobbing her head, preening me, etc. 10 weeks old currently. Within 3 hours the bird was letting me pet her and was playing with her toys. Same with my previous parakeet that I had. Maybe I have really good luck along side being somewhat good with the birds but they instantly took to me

[@BirdNerdSophie]

That’s awesome 😊

[@candicet5973]

*CONGRATS ON 5K SUBS SOPHIE!!!!* U DESERVE IT!!! Now ur 1/2 the way to 10k subs, then once ur at 10k ur 1/10 the way to 100k subs then once ur at 100k ur 1/10 the way to a million then once u have a million ur only 1/100 the way to 1 billion then once ur at a billion ur 1/8 the way till the whole world knows u!!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Haha thank you so much for all of your support! 😊💙 hope you and the birds are okay!

[@neilclasper3678]

Literally just got my first Cockatiel, looking forward to bonding and training him/her its only 16 weeks old i was told

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Congrats on your new little one! 😊🦜

[@neilclasper3678]

@@BirdNerdSophie What sort of feed mix would u recomend my bird doesnt seem to like sunflower seeds it throws them out the cage or onto the floor

[@BirdNerdSophie]

@@neilclasper3678 this is what cockatiels need to eat: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6i2fnqNd8ugiqs

[@MrMakeithappendan]

Subscribed.🥰

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thank you 😊

[@buzzybalms8690]

My bird cage is next to my bed. I also school from home and my desk is in the corner. They can see me at all times. I can take out the feeder next to them without freaking them out very much. I’ve had them for 2 days, their names and sunny and pico, they are 10 weeks old, I think I’m doing well

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Those are cute names 😍

[@ratedm90]

Are they tame now?

[@angelpaul1090]

I am watching ur video right now near my cocktiels cage and it slightly scooted near me so I tilted my phone so she can see ur other 2 birds 😄

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Haha that’s so cute 🥰

[@shuhratkessikbayev8886]

Bonding with a bird is like bonding with any other living thing especially other humans, you don't just become friends instantaneously, you gotta work your way to be trusted and loved

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Totally agree 😊

[@LiteralSparkPlug]

that's an awesome Pokémon card

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thank you :)

[@catherinemiller1323]

In my childhood my parents had a cat, a dog and a budgie, pretty joey. All 3 pets got on with family well but the cat tried jumping upto the budgies cage once

[@MrMakeithappendan]

I think clean hands are crucial. My birds don't like smokers and vapers. They like clean people. 🤣🥰🤣

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Yep, clean hands are important!

[@nicecutie]

cute video

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thank you!

[@danielb7485]

from my experience of budgies and I'm only a beginner 5months in I find letting budgie out cage after 2 3 days Nd let them adjust to their new home have playground with toys or a t perch and tty interact with them on it by feeding Millet I now have recently got new cockatiel male who is 6 months old I've done same process with him so far he's alot more comfortable with me a week in today he's eating millet from me outside cage and exploring more

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad to hear he's settling in!

[@julielarios6333]

I like your big pokemon guard

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thank you 😊

[@marissabrunton3055]

Thank you for a super informative video. New cockatiel owner and I didn't realise trying to pat and get her to sit on my hand was a bad idea. How do I get her used to being handled by me? We have only had her 3 days. Lots of passive interaction and she already seems more relaxed

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Glad you found it useful! You can place your hand very still in the cage and let her come up to you if she wants to!

[@staceysflock]

Omg I love chocolate oranges. I wish they were available year round in the US.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

They are amazing! But you guys have one of my favourite drinks - Minute Maid Lemonade! It’s been a long time since I’ve had it! 😟

[@staceysflock]

@@BirdNerdSophie oooooh, yeah that lemonade is pretty good. I prefer Simply Lemonade 🤔. But yeah I stock up on those oranges at Christmas time. I think I still have a couple in my fridge now, because they had them out at Easter time which was odd. We normally only see them around Christmas.

[@David-ul2rw]

My cockatiel is very scared of me, even when i get near the cage, even starts acting crazy when i put my hand in there.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Have you seen my video on trust? 😊

[@racoonasaurus]

Hi @birdnerdsophie! 👋 Was wondering if you could please possibly share where you purchased those colourful wooden triangle trays the boys are eating off of at 4:48? Thank you!!! 🦜💜

[@BirdNerdSophie]

They are from Northern Parrots :)

[@angelsarmsresidentialcente7769]

I've had my 2 birds for a year and they still run from me, but I notice they watch me every move I make they even react to the smell when I fry chicken lol. I will start over and try all of your techniques. Thank you

[@BirdNerdSophie]

You'll get there with them :)

[@ilovemymummy]

how did it go ?

[@angelsarmsresidentialcente7769]

@@ilovemymummy I'm still being patient... I don't know what I'm doing wrong. I don't try to touch them, I bought them new toys and treats, and I even opened the cage door and pretend I don't see them when they get out and go back in the cage.

[@aizahxemaan6778]

You are beautiful💕

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thank you!!

[@underwaterbeautyyt389]

We recently took in a white face cockatiel and even though mum feeds him and gives him water yet he still won’t let her pat him this goes with both parents, yet all I do is just chill with him and he’ll curl up to me every time a pat him this goes with me and my siblings.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

That’s very cute! 😊

[@itsmelottiee]

Omg this helped so much thank you 🤍 x

[@BirdNerdSophie]

You’re welcome 😊

[@virginiamei9120]

I absolutely love your show and have learned a lot. I need to know where to buy bonding sticks and what do you put on the end , my boy, BBQ (he named himself ) has never wanted to “step up” so my breeder friend said to continue trying to but BBQ dislikes it and sets us back in his progress. If left alone he always comes to me, seems affectionate and will take a treat nicely from pinched fingers but as soon as I put the finger out for him to “step up” he flies away. I would very much like to try the stick method but don’t know what you call them and where to order them. Thank you for your show..BBQ and I thoroughly enjoy Fish and Chip and all the help you give us..oh..question..what nuts are safe?

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Do you mean a target stick? If so then you can just use a chopstick 😊 I have a new video all about nuts, and an old video about conure step up which will apply for your situation too! 😊

[@ShisaCT]

my cockatiel is a year and half old. i got him almost 3 weeks ago. i sit next to his cage every day and spend as much as i can talking to him and whistling. the first days he was so scared, wouldn't move, wouldn't eat, wouldn't drink. it was starting to concern me. with the pass of the days he started to be more active with us, now he sings all the time, tho he's very shy, he gets scared of the birds outside and doesn't trust our hands. i believe he was never hand tamed before, he also doesn't want to eat anything else than just seeds, im trying so hard to make him eat vegetables. i tried to feed him with my hand 3 times, but still no results. i will keep trying. he also hasn't left the cage yet, i don't think it would be a good idea if he doesn't trust us. his wings are not clipped and he could harm himself if he gets scared of us. i think im doing a pretty good job, patience was never something i could bear but i will be patient for him.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Diet conversion can take time but don’t give up! Have you seen my video on it?

[@stranguhh2878]

I don't have a cockateil yet, but i definitely wanna get one in the future! they're so cute

[@BirdNerdSophie]

They are fabulous birds 😍

[@sleepingbeauty4444]

me too!!

[@weshouldsaveourselves6780]

Heya where do you get that playstand thing with the bowls on there. The one that the cockatiel is on at 4:12 Thank you.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

It's called a Rainforest T Bar Stand -I think we got it on Zooplus!

[@sachiverma1]

Hi Sophie, thank you so much for making these great videos. Much appreciated. I rescued 2 cockatiels about 5 days ago and I have been slowly approaching them. They are comfortable with eating millet from my hands. I can put my hand in the cage and they aren't so scared now. They are learning to step up on a stick. However, they still don't step up on my hand. Which is fine, they will take their time... I wanna know when should I let them out of their cage? Should I wait until they are hand-fed and not scared of me or should I let them out of their cage and let them explore on their own? My biggest concern is that if I let them out of the cage, they might not wanna get back to the cage, and when I try to get them in the cage, I will lose their trust. Any suggestions? Thank you so much again 🙂

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thanks so much for watching! :) I would only let them out if: 1. they will step up on to a stick (or you) consistently or 2. they will consistently target train You can use wither of these techniques to get them back in without losing trust so that would be the way forward!

[@sachiverma1]

@@BirdNerdSophie Thanks for getting back Sophie 🙂 Great!!! They are doing pretty good with the target training. Enjoying every second of the bonding process.

[@elliekeeton6674]

The second I pressed play and your bird starting chirping mine let out a very loud chirp in the middle of eating as if to say HELLO??? 😭😭

[@BirdNerdSophie]

So cute! 🥰

[@bethdenise9967]

Hi! Im so happy I found your channel, I’ve learned so much and it motivated me to adopt a young cockatiel ❤ I got him when he was 4 months old, before me he had a negligent owner who didn’t put perches on his cage, he had lice and didn’t have tail feathers . My cockatiel is now 6 months old and although he seems much more confident and enjoys playing with toys he is still avoiding perches and only uses his toys when im present. Im worried he may have some sort of condition on his feet due to always being crawling in his old cage. He also is very inactive, he eats well and his poos seems healthy. I have taken him to my avian vet in two ocassions for lice treatment and he found him healthy. Still his behavior worries me :/ do you think is normal for him to be so inactive and avoid perches at 6 months old? :/

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thanks for watching! Sounds like he is lucky to have found you! You could go for some thicker perches or platform perches for now until he’s able to use others!

[@bethdenise9967]

@@BirdNerdSophie I’ll Try that, thank you so much :)

[@IkonMC303]

Thank you so much i just got a new cockatiel and its only 9 weeks old

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Congrats 🥳

[@KraftyUk]

Some sound advice, ive had a cockertiel for the last 24 years and hes still here, hes like a son to me. I would like another but i think i will wait it out because hes not very good with strangers but loves dogs and wont leave them alone when they visit.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thanks for watching 😊

[@aquatica7889]

Hi, your videos are very helpful, thank you. I recently got a Female Cockatiel from a friend who could not keep her, Daisy. Daisy is very friendly and loving she is always around us when we are home... we got another male a week ago, Coco so Daisy is not alone during the day when we are away. Daisy ignores Coco, he tries to get close to her but she hisses at him and walks away. We dont keep the birds in a cage, they are free roaming. Coco tends to hide under the dinning table all day, only comes out to eat and in the evening. I know he needs time but is there anything I can do to get him to come out from under the table?

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Hey! Sounds like there are a few things going on - whilst free roaming can be good for some birds, it can also indicate to Daisy that the whole room is her territory which could make Coco uncomfortable as he is nervous of exploring another bird's territory. Also a week is a very short period of time to settle in, so I image that the longer he is there the more comfortable he will feel! Have you seen my trust building tips video?

[@randir.3080]

I'm still here still binge watching your videos 😂 you're the best on you tube I've found for bird info!! You should have hundreds of thousands of followers, girl! But my question today is ..... does it matter if I get a rehome from an untamed bird, a rescue, or a baby that is hand tame? There's also a woman rehoming her cockateils that are hand tame with her but don't like anyone else. Do you think any of that makes a difference for someone getting their first birds? I had them growing up, but not on my own as an adult. Growing up our birds were tame and happy to hang with me so I've never had to tame a bird myself. My heart wants to take the sad Facebook rehomes and give them a good home. But I want to support rescues and then I think maybe I should get a hand tamed baby from a breeder because it'd be easiest.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Thank you so much 💙😊 even birds who are advertised as hand tame will be very scared when they come to you as they won’t know you personally, and it will take time to gain their trust so the choice is yours 😊

[@jyf3]

Hi! Can you tell me where you got that colorful octagon that the birds were feeding on.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

It’s a set of triangles from Northern Parrots 😊

[@jyf3]

@@BirdNerdSophie thank you!

[@mamiiicab9184]

Salutations a tous! Salut les oiseaux intelligents! Une bonne journee!,, 😊👍👍👍🐦🐦😘😘🥗☕

[@BirdNerdSophie]

😍💙🦜

[@evfredericks]

Hi,I just watched your video,it was great. I got a 7 month old female cockatiel 3 days ago that was raised in a colony setting and there was another cockatiel there as well. She keeps calling for the other birds but stops after about 6 chirps,she doesn’t step up but is friendly. I let her out of the cage to Rome around,but I guess that is wrong to do? How can I get her to step up and be friends with me.she just sits in her cage,and started to eat after 2 days.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

I have a step up training video and a trust video too which you might find useful 😊

[@elenaxcc]

I've arleady had my cockatiel for 9 months, he wasnt exactly in my care so I couldn't tame him. I started recently and he doesn't get as scared as before when I approach the cage. I also try to do slow movements when approaching the cage, my question is can I still tame him even tho I've arleady had him for so long? I know it's most likely gonna take a few months but I have the time and patience

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Yes you can absolutely tame him even though it’s been some time 😊

[@tashclarke2903]

I've had my cockatiel 3 yrs 🙈 he doesn't like ppl so I've never tried to handle him ... I let him out, talk to him and bond in that way but he will attack and hissssss. Now I've changed things and spending 45 mins a day sitting with him and talking to him with some millet. So now I will see if this works 🙏

[@Drone-Tivities]

3 years? I’ve had mine three weeks and he lives on me. I only bribed him with millet for the first week. He knows the score now and knows how to call for me once he’s finished on top of his cage. He even understands his bed time haha. He even likes a kiss on his beak and chest. Don’t know what you’ve done to yours 😅

[@med_ayhem_benabda]

3:57 now all my life is abt training and food when I want to pet a bird I find myself in the same cycle😐

[@EliffOzkan]

So I have a female cockatiel who's bonded nicely with me. I've had her for almost a year. Yesterday, I received a bit older male in need without a cage. After housing him in the tiny travel cage, I got whatever cage I could find for him today. He looks neglected but was used to the previous family. I'm back to zero with bonding with birds and came here for help. Thank you for the help as usual, I love your content! Hopefully he'll like us as his new family. I also have a question. My girl got a bit more energetic and curious since he's arrived. He doesn't let her come close to him though. I wonder if he observes our interaction with my girl since we've bonded perfectly. If so would it help with getting him to trust us? Would he be okay with my bird as well? He doesn't seem to like her right now. I just want to make him feel safe and comfortable asap, he really needs to be taken care of!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Hey! Thanks for watching :) Yes you can allow him to observe your interaction - birds are very good at learning through watching others! Be aware that there' no guarantee they'll get on well, but you can at least achieve tolerance. My boyfriend has a video on bonding two birds - it took two of our rescue conures 7+ months to fall in love!

[@EliffOzkan]

@@BirdNerdSophie thank you so much for the reply, I subscribe to all of your and your boyfriend's social platforms, will look for it! Patience is the key I guess.

[@leilanismith6485]

I have been folowing your channel for the past two yaers yaer and a half. But quick questoin, shuowld i have my two cocketiels in the same cage or in seprate cages?

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Hey! Yes I recognise your name from precious comments 😊 it depends if they get along and seek out each other’s company or not!

[@leilanismith6485]

@@BirdNerdSophie thanks 🤗😊

[@Riomoviefan]

Welp... Guss I messed up and that was having to reach in to remove the bird from the property. My baby is a rescue and the owner didn't let me have the cage so I had no choice but to reach out and get him out of the cage. The cage was also small and very rusted anyway and I got a big small macaw cage for a teel with a top Perch and I got a bird carryer. I had to grab him and put him in the carryer and then I bought him home to his new bigger cage. He was in shock for the first few months but I quickly found out his name....millit spray's really bought our relationship much quicker so I call him Milly. And I managed to get him to get into my hand for food but after having moved and ended up being homeless with family and Lucky enough to keep the bird.... today he still remembers the treats but I have to start over again 😢.... As he won't even come out anymore

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Starting from a clean slate with no expectations can really help with rebonding with your bird 💙

[@Riomoviefan]

@@BirdNerdSophie I've just been sticking millit treats through the cage just less than a inch from the bird/bars/and my fingers. He is a little iffy about it but I get him going where he goes back and forth pushing his beak out for more treat's. I'm just going to keep this very close distance from the bird/bar/to My fingers from here on out for now and then I'll start with moving it to the front door so I can get him back out of the cage again. But the only thing he does not like is Toys.... and I have been wondering if that is fixable

[@levishaa]

So I just got my cockatiel yesterday and I left a millet strip in there for him. Is it okay to leave it in there or should I take it out so he can make it out as a reward.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Yes definitely take it out and only offer during bonding and training 😊

[@Alexbloke]

I’ve got my cockateil in an outside aviary do you think there’s a chance of taming him? He’s very scared of me and usually try’s to avoid being in a 2 foot radius of me despite being a hand reared one lol

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Yes it’s absolutely possible! It can take time and specific training techniques but it’s totally possible 😊

[@AsimKhan-gv7ht]

I love your videos. I got my cockatiel about 2 weeks and just recently I can get her to perch on my finger as long as I have a treat to offer but she’ll get scared and move away from my hand if I don’t have a treat. Any advice on how to move past this stage and have her perch without any bribes? Should move this training session to another room?

[@BirdNerdSophie]

I’m glad you enjoy my content 😊 it’s important to remember that stepping up on to your finger is still a trick to a bird so until you have a stronger bond, you’ll need to offer her a treat every time and that’s okay 😊

[@AsimKhan-gv7ht]

@@BirdNerdSophie ahhh thank you. That clears it up, I was confusing eating with bonding. I guess I will continue to offer it treats until it can trust me fully.

[@conniecruz880]

Hello, I can't find the substrate you use on the bottom of your birds cages here in the USA. What can I do. Please and thank you so much

[@BirdNerdSophie]

You could use untreated and dust free pine shavings :)

[@conniecruz880]

@@BirdNerdSophie thank you so very much.

[@nadamosbah6878]

I just got my cocktail two days ago..he is one year old and very sweet but Idk when should start getting him out of cage and how can i do it.

[@BirdNerdSophie]

I’d only recommend starting to get him out when he will step up onto your hand in the cage or when he is target trained!

[@amitpavaskar7939]

When I 1st got my cocktiel he was hand tamed in just 3 days ... Now I bought him another cocktiel, it has been 1 week his still scared but making Lil & Lil progress 😅

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Each bird is an individual so they can take varying amounts of time to tame 😊

[@notvyy]

I have a scared bird that usually hisses and bites me, I've been trying my best to tame him but I can't really figure it out

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Have you seen my video on trust?

[@IanAitken-ls1ev]

hi sophie how do i stop my cockatiels from flying away when ever i get close i think they are18 month old approx

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Work on target training through the cage bars so they can approach if they feel comfortable- it sounds so simple but it’s a really powerful training technique!

[@randir.3080]

My cockateils (rescue already bonded) are coming home in 1 week. I heard someone say in another video that if they have eachother they wont bond to human and they will no longer be hand tame. Did you tame fish and chip at the same time?

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Yes we got Chip and Fish at the same time! It’s a myth that they won’t bond with you if you get two at once! You just need to put plenty of effort and training in!

[@rinabosman]

Hi Sophie, I have a hand raised cockatiel. Almost two months now, he did step up for a while but all of a sudden he does not want to. He still eat millet when I hold it out to him, but does not want to come out of the cage. Obviously I have done something wrong, but cannot work out what. He does have two budgies in the cage with him, can it possibly be that he rather bond with them than with me. I love him either way, but will be so nice if he bond with me. Any advice will be appreciated, I love all your videos. At this stage I basically started from scratch, just holding out the millet for him. Hopefully I will win him over some time

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Hey! Has anything changed with your appearance recently? Hair/nail colour, rings, bracelets etc? If not then I’d recommend checking out my step up video so you can start with the basics again 😊

[@jinxx.ocelot]

hii! I'm new to your channel and i was wondering if you could help me out with an issue i have. Whenever i put my hand near my cockatiel (roughly 30cm away), he'll either attack me or just go to the other side of the cage :(. We have had him for around 4 years and he is about 4-5 years of age, he was hand-raised and fed also. He won't step up at all, hisses if you are near him and absolutely despises me. Please give me some tips to sort this out!

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Have you seen my video on trust? Lots of things can play a part in this, from cage set up, diet and treat motivation so it’s good to evaluate all areas of his husbandry! Target training will also help too!

[@heatherhbleau5025]

Hi i received two 7 month cocateils from pet smart a week ago and i talk to them all the time and give them millet outside cage but not yet taking it what do i do

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Give it time, some birds take much longer to trust enough to take treats!

[@datthing3650]

I have a 8 month old male named tuna, hes fine with stepping up but when I present my finger, he bites. I don't wish to over step boundaries or make him scared. Any tips?

[@BirdNerdSophie]

This video shows you how to get your bird used to hands/fingers! kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXqpg6pnpsairZY

[@meritaholmes5085]

Well do you have any suggestions on how to get them out of the cage so I can clip their nails because the veterinary won't do it because she. Is wild

[@BirdNerdSophie]

A vet should be able to do it as you'd need to restrain them safely unless they have been trained to voluntarily accept nail trimming! You can encourage them out fo the age with target training.

[@HollowBoy04]

Where did you get the pokemon painting I'd love to get one of my wee girl

[@BirdNerdSophie]

It’s from Pokepet Shop 😊

[@lumityfan6313]

I got my bird last year in June and he still hasn't bonded to me he'll respond to his name and hes only comfortable around me but he won't let me pick him up or put my hands in the cage what do you think I should do he also won't eat out of my hand or get any physical contact he won't go near me when hes out of the cage and I don't know if I should clip his wings or get him tamed by someone else but what should I do?

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Whatever you do, please don’t clip his wings - it will cause so many more problems. What’s his diet like? How many hours of sleep does he get? Cage set up plays a role in it too so feel free to email me a picture (email address is on my channel about page)

[@chrisvallance8176]

My cockatiel is clingy, and doesn't like cage time. She screams and runs back and forward on the bottom of her cage. Any tips on getting her to be less bonded 😂

[@BirdNerdSophie]

Train her to use the toys in her cage, offer a foraging tray for when she goes in, make the time she spends in her cage variable, only let her out when she is calm and not pacing too!

[@Sakuraluna_]

hey!:) I live in an apartment which has 1 bedroom, it used have 2 bedrooms, 1 kitchen which is big, balcony and a living room, is a cockatiel allowed:)?

[@BirdNerdSophie]

In the amount of space, yes! But it depends if you own the apartment or rent it!

[@Sakuraluna_]

@@BirdNerdSophie I'll find a perfect room.

[@Drawing_with_lillian]

Hi I’ve officially had Zazu for one year made so much more progress with him this really helped but I do have a question how do I pet him for the first time without making him mad or scared? He doesn’t put his head down and I don’t wanna force it of corse he steps up snuggles and all and absolutely loves the parakeets but I wanna pet him without freaking him out, I tried once’s hw hissed at me so I stopped haven’t really tried since I don’t wanna force it. Any tips especially since idk when it’s the right time?

[@BirdNerdSophie]

That’s awesome that you’ve made loads of progress! Here’s how to teach him how to enjoy scritches 😊 kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXqpg6pnpsairZY

[@Drawing_with_lillian]

@@BirdNerdSophie thank you so much he’s been an absolute Angel I actually a few months ago finally was told everything about his rescue and I’m in absolute shock surprised he even lets me pick him up. Found out the woman that fostering him got a call in from the rescue he was found in one of those tiny white metal cages barley water the little bit in there was yellow no food, bathing in his own crap. Dehydrated and more. He had crack in the crack which has healed well, plucked, was severely under weight, had a skin or feather infection and more so seeing him now vs then he looks like an entirely new bird just an absolute blessing, but your channel has helped soooo much I can’t thank you enough

[@Al_09a]

I just got my cockatie today, he keeps biting my hand but chirps and wants to sit on my shoulder all day, how do I put him back in the cage since he hates my hand?

[@BirdNerdSophie]

I don’t usually recommend getting birds you the cage until they’re target trained as if you have to catch them up every time you need to put them back, you’ll break trust!