cockatiel training for a novice

Question
Hi Maggie,
  About 6 weeks ago I got my first cockatiel.  She is a joy. She took to me quickly and we became fast friends. I do work alot so I decided to get a second bird. I have had her for 2 weeks. She is housed in a different cage but, in the same room. The birds can see/call to each other. This cannot be avoided, my place is tiny. The first few days I just spoke to her softly. I then progressed to putting my hand in the cage (until she calmed down) then on to putting my hand close to her. She doesn't seem to want much to do with me. She will tolerate my hand about 50% of the time. Other times she pecks/bites at me. I try to move slowly, and speak to her softly while I am in their cage and room. Any advise is greatly appreciated as this is my first foray into avian husbandry.
Thank You,
Kylie


Answer
Hi Kylie,

Unfortunately, you didn't properly quarantine the two new birds, so I would recommend a vet exam ASAP for the new cockatiel if you haven't done so already. In fact, if you haven't taken your first cockatiel in for her new-birdie check-up... you should take them both in.

Here are some links to find an avian vet near you, and more information on quarantine:

www.aav.org

http://www.parrotpro.com/avianlst.htm

http://www.parrothouse.com/quarantine.html


Now, onto answer your question... here are some great online articles with tips for hand-taming your newest cockatiel:

http://www.cockatiels.org/articles/behavior/training.html

http://www.birdclub.ca/articles/lovebird/lovebird_training.htm (written about lovebirds, but the same information applies to cockatiels)

http://www.netpets.com/birds/reference/lafeber/4/touch_taming.html

I hope this helps. :)

And since you are a new bird owner, here is an article with some information on essential bird basics that every parrot owner should know:

http://www.geocities.com/conures123/EssentialBirdBasics.html

-Maggie