Both of my cockatiels were the same way before their diet conversions, the only seed they ever ate their whole lives was millet. It was SO difficult to get them to eat anything else but eventually, after offering every day, they started trying new things. The first vegetable they both really enjoyed was carrots because they liked to destroy them like a toy.
Julia Atkinson
2022-10-19 05:11:52 +0000 UTC
@BirdTricks Not that I've been waiting or anything...but that's tomorrow!
Kelly Sanchez
2022-09-09 03:10:07 +0000 UTC
We are hoping they will be available to you guys Sept 9! That's the current plan!
BirdTricks
2022-08-10 01:41:10 +0000 UTC
Are Cockatiels particularly difficult to train, do you think? Ours are hand tamed and have been on a mix of chop and healthily seeds and grains their whole lives (they are about to turn 1 soon). We have a lot of trouble with them screaming, and with bathing (they react to the spray bottle (similar to the ones you sell) sound like itβs a hissing Cockatiel). They will be totally calm one day then completely screamy the next. We donβt seem to be able to distract them with anything, and my partner is unable to ignore the screaming. Would you ever consider doing a Cockatiel Course similar to your budgie course? I think a lot of Cockatiel owners out there would benefit so much from one. β€οΈ Kate
Kate Buttery
2022-08-06 23:45:48 +0000 UTC
Gosh I so need to have a consult with you and Dave for my cockatiel Putin. He was a rescue brought into my vet practice. But from his leg band I think he was probably an aviary bird for breeding. With no human interaction. Its taken a year to get him used to us. It took at least 4 months to convert his diet. Although I was lucky I didn't know what he was on before and so could start fresh but it was me who was lacking the knowledge. But he had never had fresh food before. That was clear. He used to bite and bite hard, even through sleeves etc. And the amount of times I've had to start from scratch with him can be so disheartening. Then he'll do something cute like a little fly to me and I think yay! We've cracked it. But it's a roller coaster. I also have a rescued budgie who came from a home with no interaction who really doesn't like us humans π.
My canary seems the only one happy flying about it. But I have had him for 4 years. He's such a happy chappy but a more hands off bird in general.
You'll get there Jamie, you always do but it's good to see the challenges a new species of bird can present. Even to an experienced handler. Xx
MeghanC
2022-08-04 18:14:26 +0000 UTC
Clyde reminds me so much of our inherited cockatiel that passed a few years ago. He was a mean little cuss at first. It took months for him to come around but he ended up being so sweet. He still had a cockatiel temper but I think that's just their nature. I've never known a cockatiel that could resist corn and peas. Maybe that would help. Clyde will come around. Cockatiels are as needy for attention as a cockatoo.
Holden Kendrick
2022-08-03 18:31:35 +0000 UTC
My baby Timneh was being weaned onto a fruity pellet mix that literally had dried pineapple, apricots, raisins, banana chips etc. Trying to wean him off formula and off this pellet and onto FYF pellet has been horrific. Can't make the baby starve. So frustrating that people feed parrots this. This pellet mix was literally so sweet, I was picking out the nuts, seeds and dried fruit and was snacking on them. If it's that appealing to a human it's so dangerous to a bird. UGH. Food conversion is my least favorite thing to do. Will be doing a consult soon I'm sure. ---- Yes, please. Tell me about the backpack. Need a good one for my babies.
Dena Perry
2022-08-03 18:15:14 +0000 UTC
welcome to the world of fussy cockatiels! I have two who I am still trying to get over to fully fresh. I Found my two really responded well to sweet potato + butternut squash mash, and then I mix seed into that, so my birds dont get much choice but to pick seeds with some of that, I then mixed chop into that, and this is the most success I have had so far. Something about embedding seed in sticky stuff really helped
Rochelle Flynn
2022-08-03 18:14:10 +0000 UTC
Ok... I'm asking...tell me about those backpacks, please. βΊοΈ
Kelly Sanchez
2022-08-03 18:00:33 +0000 UTC
We are definitely going to learn a lot from Clyde! I think he is the first bird I have seen you struggle so much with.
Wendy Cottingham
2022-08-03 17:13:20 +0000 UTC
aww... pooir Clyde.. Listen to Jamie~ she only wants to help you, sweet lil birdie! π