We have a new 12 week old cockatiel. We have only had >him/her 3 days and already he/she is good about sitting on our finger, taking food from us. The bird does not seem to be afraid of us except when we are getting it out of the cage.

We we first put our hand near the bird it hisses and bites at us. I don't let him bother me (mainly because the bites don't hurt yet) and I place my finger under his chest, say "step up" and he/she will then step onto my finger and come out of the cage.

Does the bird have this reaction because it is still getting used to the surrounding? I also notice it more in the evenings, Is it possible the the Ki-Ki (its name) is tired and was sleeping?

Thanks in advance.....Cheryl H.

Cheryl,

Your bird is still adjusting to you and it's new home. The hissing is the birds way of scaring you away and that will stop once the baby gets used to you and the rest of the family. You are probably seeing this reaction more in the evenings because everyone is home from school, work, etc. and there is more activity going on during this time of the day that the bird is not use to. Before you know it, this will be the birds favorite time of day. Birds can get just as excited as dogs or cats when their family returns after a day of school or work.