Taming cockatiles

Question
Hi

Just got two tiles four days ago, one is eating out of my hand and hops on my hand if he lands somewhere ehere he cant see his friend, the other one wont eat out of my hand wont get on my hand hisses (well hisses more then the other one). When I open the cage door the male comes out and starts picking at the toys on top of there cage but she wont come out and wont let me take her out iter, they are only 6 months old any tips on geting the female tamer would be welcomed,

tkx  

Answer
I'd just be patient.  Four days isn't long enough for most birds to settle in completely.  I'd give her two weeks at least before you even start to worry.  It sounds like your male is more outgoing and sociable (most male 'tiel are), it'll just take your female a little more time.

If you really want to work with the female, I'd seperate her in a different room from the male, at least while you're taming her.  Once she's reliably tamed, you could put them back together and they'd bond as tightly as ever.  Seperated, she'd probably tame down easier and be more interested in your companionship.

You can do it while they're together, too... it'll be slower, but she might take some cues from the male.  I'd expect her to start eating from your hand fairly quickly if she sees the male do it.  She'll probably also start coming out of the cage, if only to follow the male.  Just give her time.  Stepping up on your hand is a little more difficult - if she starts eating from your hand, hold the treat far enough away that she has to step on your hand or a hand-held perch to get to the food, see if that entices her.  Don't give up easily - birds are creatures of habit, and will hardly do anything unless they're familiar with it!

- Lara
psitta@yahoo.com