My new cockatoo is scared, hissing, and won't step up. What do I do?

Thanks for reaching out about Copper. Training is more difficult as they age, as they are not as pliable to new situations. It is really de-sensitization to things that needs to be done. Start by scratching/petting, and offering a treat by hand. Then with the treat, try and train to reach his leg up, then to step up. Its a gradual process. The book "A Guide to a Well-behaved Parrot" is a good start. Good luck.

It sounds like Cheeko still is wary of you, and honestly, you need more time to bond before focusing on tricks, especially if he is still flying away from you. Going back to a previous step such as hand-feeding, just being near his cage and spending time with him, petting him without handling, etc are all good previous steps to work on. You can then begin step-up training with a dowel or other object instead of your hand, that may help him train without being frightened by your hand or being handled. Training birds takes time and patience, so just keep trying, and if he seems fearful, give him a break, go to the previous step that worked, and then move forward from there.

Hi. It can take weeks to months to make a parrot comfortable in a new environment. Many factors come into play including age and past history. Primarily just be very patient and offer lots of treats by hand. Figure out what foods or treats she REALLY wants and offer them only by hand, don't put them in a bowl. Make sure she feels safe, don't grab her and let her learn to come to you and that it will always be a good experience when she does. The book Birds for Dummies by Brian Speer, DVM is a great resource even for experienced bird owners. Here are some articles that may give more info. Good luck and be patient with LIsa. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/taming-training-talking-to-birds https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/senegal-parrots-general https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/senegal-parrots-feeding https://lafeber.com/pet-birds/species/senegal-parrot/

You will need to gradually acclimate him to you. This will take time and patience but is not impossible. Begin by sitting next to the cage for ever increasing periods of time. At the end, provide a small treat or reward. Once he accepts you nearby, place your hand IN the cage for ever increasing periods of time. Simply leave it there. Do not move or try to touch him. Again, leave a treat or reward when you are done. Move your hand closer each time. Eventually, he will acclimate and begin to show curiosity. At this point you can try getting him to perch on a finger. Don't force it and don't grab at him. Move slowly and speak softly. Always provide a reward or treat as he progresses.

Thanks for reaching out about Coco & Peach. Winning the trust of your birds will take time. Start with quiet deliberate movements, and offering treats via hand. Since many birds can be cage defensive, you might have to allow them to come out of the cage, for them to be less protective. Take the time, as trust can take some time. Good luck.

Be patient with him and always move slowly. Try having a treat you know he likes close at hand and ask him to step up by putting your finger under his chest in front of his feet like a ladder rung and push back gently. This will encourage him to step onto your hand rather than have to step back. Use the treat to reward him or, if he's still very flighty, distract him with it when you offer your hand to step up. If he likes being petted, use that as a reward for him too, always moving slowly to avoid startling him. Make sure his cage is located in a quiet, draft-free area so he feels secure and hopefully less nervous.

Alejandro is going to be scared until he gets use to him new environment. I would recommend keeping him in a place quiet with low traffic for a while. You can also start by feeding him a special treat . This treat should be one that only you feed. That way he looks forward to interacting with you specifically.