2 tempermental tiels...

[tamfromtn]

Hi, about two weeks ago I took in a pair of tiels someone was selling. I didn't purchase them I just told him I would care for them until a good home is found. I felt so sorry for them. Their cage was horrific. It looked like it was covered in dry mud, their food&water dishes...let's just say, these poor birds have been negleted. Now that I have their cage nice and clean and I bought them some toys he keeps calling wanting to know if I've sold them. I've put an ad in the paper have asked around but no luck. I can't keep the birds, but I don't want to give them back either. Does anyone have a miracle answer. I need to mention that their afraid of me and vise versa. I have started opening their cage door and letting them play outside of their cage. If I try to get to close they open wide and make a scarey sound, like a hiss. I'm a new bird owner so I don't have any experince in this.
Tammy,Captain,Birdie&2 tiels in need

[KDK241]

The hissing is a warning to get away and sometimes will be followed with a bite. I have a very tempermental tiel who hisses all the time but I learned that if I put my hand in a fist when I tell him to come up he can't get a good bite in if he decided to bite. Also, they are new birds and take time to gain trust. If you can't keep them, then try putting an ad on your local craigslist but be careful to screen homes! Thanks for taking these guys in!!

[Astrid660]

Talk to them in a soft voice, tell them they are pretty birds and that it will all be okay.
Have you tried feeding them any treats, like apple/lettuce/carrots? They might really enjoy that ! Just stick it through the bars and they should be interested. :)

They probably aren't so much temperamental as they are scared and distressed!