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Question
Hi, I have recently purchased two female cockatiels. I would like to know the best way to learn how to teach them to talk. Also what can I do to make them feel more at home, as they are still a bit nervous in their aviary. Thanks, Annelies
Hi, Annelies. Thanks for posting.
I've never heard a female tiel talk. Males can learn to talk, but females usually don't learn to speak. It takes time for birds to get used to their new environment and their new human(s) when they are moved. You don't state how long you've had these tiels, but they might need more time to settle down. If this is an outside aviary and these birds are used to being inside, they might be afraid of being outside, as this means they are more susceptible to predation. They don't understand cage wire, glass, plastic, etc., so if this is an outside aviary, they could be frightened by other wildlife/birds they might be seeing. If these are not handfed birds, they might be frightened of humans, as they weren't given the opportunity to imprint on humans when they were babies if they weren't handfed.
Come back if you have questions.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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