[Fran S]

Sorry if this is a duplicate post, Im trying to get the hang of using this site! We just inherited my father-in-law's cockatiel. We don't know if its male or female. It never seemed to have a name - I just call it Bird. Can anyone tell me if its male or female? We know its at least 20 years old. When my in-laws originally chose it, the bird they picked was not the one they went home with. It has a problem with one toe but this does not stop it doing anything. Bird is very vocal. My husband brought new toys and Bird just got louder so we havetaken them out. Would appreciate any advice. Thank you.

 

[Robert Seale]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Bird is what's known as a "Normal Grey" male. That's the colors one would see in the wilds of there native Australia. As to him being vocal, I'm sure he's getting use to his new home. Please don't give up on the toys as they need entertainment and something to do. Give it a week or two and hopefully he will come around to his new owners and enviroment.

 

[Fran S]

Hello and welcome to the forum! Bird is what's known as a "Normal Grey" male. That's the colors one would see in the wilds of there native Australia. As to him being vocal, I'm sure he's getting use to his new home. Please don't give up on the toys as they need entertainment and something to do. Give it a week or two and hopefully he will come around to his new owners and enviroment.

Thanks Robert, He has been at this address now for quite a new weeks but has only been getting louder over the last couple of weeks. My husband normally sorts his food/water/cage out first thing and Bird has been used to this for the last couple of years - my father-in-law was unable to due to poor mobility. My husband is the only person who can stroke him on the head through the bars. To be fair. he is no longer hissing at me! We have been trying to uncover Bird in the morning and cover him at night at similar times - should that change much as the days get darker? Bird does make quite a noise later in the evening when he wants to settle down or tries to climb to darker areas in the cage.

 

[Robert Seale]

I guess with bird not hissing at you any longer is progress. You might try offering him treats ( thru the bars ) if need be. There is a good chance he will eventually come around to you if he likes head scratches. As to covering the cage at bed time, we just go with the time and try to keep it the same weather dark outside or not.

 

[Artchimamma]

You need to bond with him more he is disconnected birdy needs to find his balance again he miss his previous owner probably mourning him in some way birds gets very attached to owners can fall into depression, play him some classical calming music and just talk to him allot sure toys helps as a distraction but he needs emotional love and care my experience with bird i have 7 birds is that they are just like humans they need allot of attention and understanding toys won't just take the emotional problems away he is dealing with