Getting a baby cockatiel

[karleyp525]

Hello,
I put a deposit down on a cockatiel tonight. She( we think) is 16 weeks old and is gorgeous. I will be bringing her home next week. I wanted time to prepare her cage and everything and get her food etc. Anyhow, the woman is more of a bird hobbyist than a breeder and she let the parents feed her so she isn't entirely tame but she will step up but she certainly fusses about it. My question is, with lots of handling would I be able to turn her into a more docile bird who enjoys human contact? We do not have any other pets and since I lost my kitty cat who I had for 16 years in April I am ready to add a new companion to our household but want one who enjoys us. Also, her poo looked kinda rust colored is that normal? And what brand of food is best? And the ideal cage size? Thank you in advance!

[CrackersMom]

First of all, Congrats on your new little addition! I have 2 Cockatiels that are my "babies". Second...rust colored poo is NOT a good sign. As soon as you get her home, please make sure you get her to a "bird" vet asap! As for a cage....We got ours the same cages from PetSmart. Real easy to find at the store already assembled. It was the cockatiel starter kit. Dome top, big enuf for her to grow, big door on the front, and 2 side doors. It comes with food dishes, 2 wooden perches, millet spray (which she will love!), a toy and a bag of food. Very worth the money when you figure you will spend that much to get thing separately. You can go to PetSmart.com and see the cage I am talking about. If she is on seed food, I would HIGHLY recommend transferring her to pellets. But please if you do, make sure it's a gradual thing and not just go from seed to pellets. You can find this at PetSmart too...it looks like bright colored fruit cereal. With patience and training your bird will be a big spoiled baby like mine are. One word of advice tho, please don't force yourself on her...let her come to you! When you get up in the morning, open the door to her cage, let her explore on her own...sit down by the cage with the door open and just talk to her in a calm voice. She will soon learn to listen to you and trust you and in no time at all she will come to you! Once she does that...you have a silly little friend for life! I got a cockatiel from a pet store and that's what i did with him...in less than 2 months, he went from being a scared untrusting bird, to a very spoiled baby! Just give yourself and her time to adjust to her new surroundings and her new home...Good luck and if you have any more questions....I check her numerous time throughout the day! I love this site!