Only use the spray of millet, or whichever treat you chose, as a treat. The cockatiel may be less motivated for training if it can eat the same food without working for it.
Even if a young bird is willing to play with you and appears happy, keep these sessions to no more than 15 minutes, as a young bird needs to return to its cage to eat and rest frequently.
Make sure all windows and doors in the room are closed, and no other pets are present, before you open the cage.
The cockatiel may use its beak to test the stability of your finger. Try not to jerk your hand away when the beak touches your finger.
You do not need a special command for laddering. Repeat the “step up” command instead.
A clicker or other distinct sound is recommended over a verbal command, because it sounds the same each time and is unlikely to be encountered outside of training.
Male cockatiels can make more sounds than females, since they use more complex calls to attract mates. Female cockatiels can still talk, but the voice may not be as clear. Most cockatiels can talk around eight months of age, although you can attempt to teach them as young as four months if the bird appears interested. It can be harder to train an adult bird not used to speaking.
Wear thick gardening gloves if biting is a recurring problem.
