Newly adopted cocktiel

Question
Hello, I just recently (2 days ago)received a male (?) cockateil from a friend who didn't have the time (or maybe the new wore-off) to take care of him.  He seems to be healthy, he has a great cage, lots of perches and toys, but I want to know if there is something I should do to help him adapt to his new home and our family. He lunges, nip and hisses at us when we come near him.  I think he's about a year old.  ANY advise would be appreciated.

Thanks!!

K

Answer
Hi, Kristy.

Was this bird tame/handleable by your friend?  If so, since you've only had this bird for 2 days, you need to give this bird time to get used to you and his new environment in your home.  When moved, a bird usually suffers from stress, so you need to give the bird time to settle down.  Right now, everything is new to the bird and the bird is scared.  It could take a week, 2 weeks, a month or longer depending on how you interact with this bird and whether this bird is tame or not tame.

If this bird wasn't tame with your friend, it isn't going to be tame around you either.  Taming a bird takes much time and patience.  Visit my website for more information on taming:  www.angelfire.com/falcon/birdinfo/index.html

Chrys