I have tamed a lot of birds and can usually get a parakeet to sit on my finger or shoulder within a few minutes. Here is a trick I was taught. He wont like it at first, and will be a little scared, but he will soon be ok. Use a small towel to get him out of the cage. Wrap him not tightly but comfortably. Take him into a quiet, safe closed room, like the bathroom. Close the door in case he gets loose. While he gently but securely wrapped in the towel, hold him to your chest. Just be still and quiet and calm. Do this a couple times a week.

Next step is to let him out of the towel and let him sit in your lap. He will probably keep jumping off, but eventually he will be ok with this. When he is, nudge your finger to his lower chest, this will cause most birds to naturally step up onto your finger. Once he is perching on your finger, hold him up to you with him facing you (stay low to the floor in case he falls). Birds cant fly backwards except a few kinds so if he is facing you he will be less likely to leap off. Within no time he will be comfortable with you and realize you aren't gonna hurt him. He will also learn that its fun to be out of the cage and pretty soon he will be pestering you to get out.

It sounds dumb, and lots of people will probably disagree, but it works. Just be gentle, move slowly and talk gently to him. I have tamed parakeets to blue and gold Macaws this same way. It works for me every time. Good luck. Birds are awesome.

Freddy (my cockatiel) will get on my hand if I have a treat, he eats out of my hand as well. If I don't have food he is to scared and backs away, what should I do?

Freddy is about a month and a half and was purchased from a breeder who hand fed him, it's been 3 days since he's came home.