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My cockatiel bites and resists handling. What treats can I use?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male

my pet cockateil petre dose not really have a treat food ive tried millet sun flower seeds ect and i can take him out of his cage on a stick but he resists i use a stick because he bites but once i have him out he will let me scratch him sometimes when hes ready when i do this he enjoys it but makes a screeching sound and bites lightly every so often when scratching . his history seemed rough this is why i think he is like this but this is what i know. I got him as a giveaway when buying chicke

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on September 23rd, 2017

You can use grapes sliced in half or small bits of cheese as occasional treats. He may feel protective in his cage. You can desensitize him to your hand in the cage by leaving it in there for ever increasing periods of time. Use a small treat or reward after each episode.
The vocalization and nibbling while being scratched is normal. When he begins to bite harder or gets "antsy", return him to his cage for a break.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on June 3rd, 2018
I don't think adding another bird will necessarily teach TJ to be "trained." Instead, I would recommend spending time bonding together. Does TJ have a favorite treat? Begin by offering that every time you approach the cage, without any other interaction. Once he is comfortable, you can then start offering it from your hand, and then move on to petting him. If at any time he becomes stressed or nervous, going back to the previous step he was OK with for a while is best until he is comfortable again.

If he is biting softly, it may be more that he is exploring his environment (and you) as a way to interact. Offering a toy or fun thing you can both play with may help. However, if he is hissing, backing away, and the biting, it can indicate he is stressed out by the situation and needs some time to himself.

Not every bird will bond closely with every person, so even if he doesn't seem completely comfortable with you, you can still offer enrichment through new toys, play spaces, etc, and enjoy watching him have fun.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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