cockatiels and babies

Dotty300, oh dear, hear I go again. 1. If your bird is hissing at you you are obviously approaching your bird in a manner that makes your bird feel threatened. Keep fingers out of cage. it's his house and he has every right to treat you like a thief at that point. Foods, never never give a bird pizza, or steak!! These are filled with toxic spicies. Chili is a bad idea too. Unsalted popcorn is a nice treat. As for fruits, my teils aren't fond of new foods either so I dice the apples, and or banannas up or whole grain cerial into the finest pieces I can and add it to their food that way they don't have a choice, and meal time is loaded with nutriants and a surprise that most love. Don't give crackers, or onions either. Gotta run.

Well how am I to get her out of the cage if I can't put my hand in the cage to get her to train her?

Sage, I'm sorry to disagree with you , I don't know where you are getting your information. I have been a bird owners for 13 years. I have been to shows and have read alot about birds. I was told that I was lucky to have a tiel that has lived as long as Tootsie. Her diet and the way I have taken care of her has made her this way. Many people have told me how many tiels die before 10 because they weren't taken care of. Number one, I do agree with Sage on not grabbing her out of the cage. They are very territorial and you should avoid breaking her trust in you by invading her space. Leave the door to the cage open when you are there to supervise. You can put a bird stick or pellet on top of the cage to entice her out. Let her get used to that. Talk to her softly while keeping your distance. Gradually, and I mean over days or weeks depending on the bird, get closer while talking to her. Tootsie has songs that she responds to. Like, I know this sounds crazy, but when she hears the theme song from Married with Children, she goes nuts. Max, my conure who hates everyone but me, loves when I sing Goodmorning to you. Pick a simple tune and repeat whistling it or singing it over and over to her. Give her time to warm up to you. When you can get right next to the cage when she is out of the cage, and she doesn't feel threatened, place your hand on the cage close to her. She may nip at first. Then, offer her favorite treat on your open flat palm up hand. Soon so will come to you.