Each cockatoo has its own personality. Some are outgoing, while others are very shy. Many times shy cockatoos have developed their timid behavior because of negative contact with humans. They are afraid, saddened, and nervous about people. Usually these cockatoos came from pet stores or unfit homes where they were mistreated, teased, or even physically and verbally abused. It's important to remember when working with a shy cockatoo that their past experiences with humans may not have been positive. Be very patient, as time can truly heal all wounds. Getting frustrated and giving up easily is not going to help your bird or you. Go into the training with a calm and 'take all the time you need' attitude. With that kind of mindset, you'll have a happy loving affectionate cockatoo sooner than you expected.
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Stay Calm: When approaching a shy cockatoo stay very calm. Cockatoos can pick up on anxiousness, and your nervousness will make the cockatoo negatively excited as well. So prior to approaching your feathered child, take a deep breath, relax your muscles, and calm yourself.
Talk Softly: Many shy cockatoos react very timidly to peoples voices. If they came from a busy pet store, loud voices may intimidate them. Prior owners may have yelled at them or raised their voice at the bird. To separate yourself from other 'not-so-nice' people, lower your voice to slightly above a whisper. This calm, soft tone will help soothe the bird and make them more open to contact with you.
Move Slowly: We cannot stress enough how important it is to move slowly when approaching a timid cockatoo. Make no sudden movements. Even something as insignificant as a sneeze can startle a bird. Be aware of everything you do. The cockatoo may have been hit, had it's cage shaken, or had things thrown at it in the past. So sudden movements could cause them understandable terror. That's why it's very important to walk slow, raise your hands nonchalantly, and be cautious of your movements.
Rest hand on cage bars: When beginning to work with a timid cockatoo, start by simply sitting beside the cage. Do not attempt to reach your hand into the cage, and certainly do not stick your hand right up to the bird. Instead, give your cockatoo time to get to know you. Let them get accustomed to your company, your scent, and your voice. Rest your hand on the cage bars next to a perch and let them approach you. Stay still and do not move your hand towards them. After a few minutes withdraw your hand and just sit for a while. Then place your hand against the bars again and let them visit again- if they want to. The cage bars will offer a sense of security, because the cockatoo will realize that you cannot reach them.
Feed snacks through cage bars: After your cockatoo begins to show contentment with your company you can begin to feed snacks from your hand. You will know your bird is ready for this step by many key signals. If your cockatoo prunes itself (cleans its feathers with its beak), sleeps, makes happy sounds (cheerful sqwuaking, singing, kissing noises), or plays with its toys while you are beside the cage- it shows that it's comfortable with you. Also, if your cockatoo willingly approaches your hand when you place it on the bars, then it shows it trusts you. Now you can offer snacks through the cage bars. Millet and small fruit bits work well for fitting between cage bars. Let your bird come to you. Hold very still and release the treat as they take it from your hand.
Rest hand in cage: As your cockatoo begins to willingly approach you for treats, you can move onto the next step. Now this step is a very big one, and must be done so with caution. You can now, at this point, begin to rest your hand in your cockatoo's cage. Keep in mind that the cage is your bird's territory- not yours. You need to work around your bird and ensure they are not uncomfortable. We recommend, if possible, using a small door (like an opening used for food dishes. Take your hand, and very slowly move it into the cage. Your cockatoo may run away or hiss. When they hiss, stop moving your hand and stay still until they subside. Once your hand is fully inside the cage, rest it on the side. To begin your cockatoo will most likely not approach you. That is okay. Just be patient, keep your hand still, and let them get used to the idea of being near your hand. When they come to it, do not move it. Let them inspect it. If they try to bite, slowly move your hand away. All other times, let them poke, prod, and get used to your hand.
Rest hand on perch: Once your bird begins to show signs of comfort with your hand in the cage (pruning, happy sqwuaking, etc) you may move your hand a bit further into the cage. This should happen, at minimum, a week after you first placed your hand in the cage. It may take longer with some birds, and that is perfectly fine. Now, when you enter your hand into the cage, you can slowly move it to a perch. Do not place it on a perch near your bird. Rather, place it as far away from your bird as possible- so they still have space to get away if they feel the need to do so. Leave your hand gripping the perch and let your bird approach and go away as they please. Your goal is not to touch the bird, but rather to let them know your hand is not a threat. Keep your hand still and let your cockatoo get used to the close proximity.
Handfeed a snack: When your bird begins to approach your hand without hesitation while in the cage, you can start luring them over with a snack. At this point your bird should not be running away any time you enter your hand into the cage. Instead they should simply be patiently waiting for your hand to take a seat on a perch. Now you can hold a snack in your hand. Millet is always a huge hit. Once again, pick a perch that is distanced from your cockatoo. Hold the snack upright into the air and let them approach you. As they eat the millet you can hold onto the stem. If you are feeding a small piece of fruit or vegetable you can let go as they grip it to take it away.
Bring the snack to your bird: Soon your bird will begin to come to your hand each time you enter the cage, simply to see if there is a snack. They may even show excitement and pace back and forth in anticipation for you to come over. At this point, you can begin to approach your cockatoo instead of waiting for them to come to you. When you bring a snack into the cage, slowly move your hand towards your bird. If they run away, leave your hand in place for them to approach you. But if they approach you cautiously, extend your hand and offer them a treat. After a while, they will no longer fear your hand approaching, but rather come to you as you come to them.
Pet your bird: The last step to hand taming your cockatoo is to actually have physical interaction with your bird. This step often takes the longest, but is well worth the patience. When your bird comes to take the snack, give them the snack and then slowly move your hand to their head, back, or chest and pet them very softly for 5 to 10 seconds. At first your bird will most likely run away. This is okay. Let them run, keep your hand still, and then bring another treat and try again. Move your hand slowly, and when your bird runs or hisses, stop movement entirely. Let your bird calm down, get another treat, and then slowly attempt to pet your bird again. At first, only pet your cockatoo for short periods of time. As they get more comfortable you can pet them for more extended periods of time. And over a few weeks, your cockatoo will get more and more accustomed to contact with you. Keep showing them love and affection, and over time they will begin to return the favor.
