New Tiel is a monster...Help!!!

[failedstate1984]

I have been a tiel owner for about 15 years of my 25 on this earth, during that time Ive had in my possession some awesome birds, and some not so awesome birds; but my new 4 year old that i purchased from my breeder is a nightmare. I usually never have more than 4 birds at a time, but since law school started i downgraded to 2 birds, my favorite male and female. during my move I accidentally left the door open in between grabbing boxes. for whatever reason my male (Kingsley) got spooked and flew out the door. This as a whole was surprising and devastating because I always clip their wings and I had no idea he could fly that well

So now only left with one female (Frida) she was heartbroken, every time i left the room she would squawk until i came running back. Law school is very demanding and I am gone for 8-12 hours a day now, which is unacceptable for my birds.

Knowing that I needed to get a new bird I contacted my Local family run pet-shop owner/bird breeder. when I asked for a new male similar in age to the female (3 years) he excitedly told me he had the Best 4 year old male he had ever seen. this bold claim was not far fetched. HE could whistle pop goes the weasel and the star wars imperial march, not to mention could very clearly say "I love you" and "Hey You!" i spent 15 min holding the male, which went smoothly enough, it wasn't love at first site, but it never is.

The birds history was very detailed out, it had spent his whole life with one family and then they moved out of the country, so they gave him up for adoption to the pet store. A week later I came in and bought him. He eats zooprene fruit flavored pellets, and loves millet as a treat. brought him home and he turned into a completely different bird. i am on the last days of the quarantine between the two birds, and have started to handle "royal". Problem is he wasn't no part of it, Ive been bitten by tiels before, Kingsley was know to be a tad moody if he didn't sleep well. But my fingers look like they have been through a war. on quick count I have 22 skin punctures that's not including my right index fingers nail that the beak went clear through. Ive never encountered such an aggressive bird, and to be honest I a seriously considering giving him back to the pet store. He was very hand friendly at the pet store, but at my house he is for lack of a better term a monster. Even when i offer treated to him he grabs them spits them out and charges at me with beak wide open. if i walk too close to the cage he hisses and runs over trying to attack. I am on my wits end here and really need some help.

[tielfan]

You need to keep your fingers out of biting range and go more slowly with him until he's learned to trust you. See if he's willing to step up on a stick. If necessary you can make make a hand guard by cutting the top off a large plastic coke bottle and poking the stick through the hole.

Here's a technique that's supposed to work well. Approach the cage and stop at a distance where he looks a bit nervous but isn't freaking out yet. Wait for him to relax, then turn and walk away. Keep doing this. He eventually figures out that he can make you go away by relaxing, and the more he relaxes around you the less fearful/aggressive he will be. When you're able to get close without him going crazy you can try offering treats through the cage bars, and gradually progress from there. His whole life has been turned upside down and he may need a few more weeks to adjust to it.

[RockysMom]

If he went from a family that he has been with his whole life to a pet store and then to your house all within a week he is probably scared and stressed out. It is going to take him some time to get used to you and your routine. So biting for him right now is probably his way of saying you know I am nervous and scared and don't like this situation right now. Right now I would just give him his space and not handle him, and for out of the cage time maybe see if you can get him step up onto a dowl so you don't get bit, or just open his cage door and let him come out on his own. Just talk to him with a calm voice and let him watch you, especially let him watch you interact with your other bird. An hopefully after watching you he will realize well this place isn't as bad as I thought it was. Always let the interaction between you and him be on his terms, don't force him to do anything or that could delay the whole process. I wouldn't give up on him yet, he just sounds really scared right now and needs some time :) Good luck and keep us posted :)