How to Create a Bond With Your Cockatiel

A cockatiel pet bird is a social creature. In the wild, you can observe cockatiels congregating in flocks at the end of the day before perching for the night. They support and care for each other. For this reason, it is important that you take all necessary measures to bond with your pet bird, especially if you have only one bird. Here are some pointers to help you create a bond between you and your cockatiel and keep him from feeling depressed and neglected.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Hand-feed your cockatiel. This is a good way to bond with your pet. He will start associating you with positive experiences.

2. Talk to your pet bird. It's important that he get used to hearing your voice. Proper pet care includes providing social time with him. It will help him to feel comfortable around you instead of viewing you as a threat. It will also strengthen the bond between you and your friend.

3. Give your tiel the proper pet care. Include him in some of your activities. For example, if you're cleaning or working on your computer, he can sit on your shoulder, but remember not to walk outside and make sure the windows and doors are closed. Birds can feel depressed and neglected when they don't receive mental stimulation, especially in a new environment.

4. Respect your cockatiel. This may sound unusual, but he needs time to adjust to you. Don't force him to do things, and don't raise your voice at your pet. Birds learn quickly and adapt to routines with ease.

5. Provide the right pet care for your bird at all times. You need to think for him. Keep him away from toxic plants, plastic items and toxic foods like chocolate.

Tips & Warnings

• Place your bird's cage in an area where there is activity and makes the bird feel like part of the family.
• In the wild, birds are used to hearing noises—it is never completely silent. Birds associate complete silence with danger. Turn on some music or the television when you are away for an extended period.
• Tips outlined above apply to all birds.
• If you don't feel that you are going to be able to spend time regularly with your bird, you might want to consider adopting two. This is important in order to give your bird the proper pet care he deserves. Having a companion will keep the one from feeling lonely and depressed, which can lead to other complications such as self-mutilation.

Resources

• How to Care for Pet Birds During the Flu Season
• How to Care for Your Lutino Cockatiel

[nanamusicgirl]

on 11/11/2009 This is so great! I didn't know how to have a bird for a pet! This is a great How to! 5 stars*****