Give the Cockatiel some space. Cockatiels aren't dumb birds, they can easily be frightened. He went from an environment in a store, where he was probably around other birds he knew of and now you're there. Birds see humans as predators, especially when theyre untame. My best suggestion is to buy some millet seed, its a treat. Put some in their cage and let them eat it a bit. Whilst its doing this, just sit some 3-4 metres away looking at it, make noises but never loud ones. An easy way to do this is to watch TV or something. If the cokcatiel is used to eating millet, he'll love it, if not, theyll figure it out eventually, especially if you put it near their own food. Slowly slowly, as its eating it, gently move your chair closer and closer, say 20 cms every 10 minutes. This could take a good 2 hrs or so so make sure you have the time. Then slowly slowly it should ease up with you because its getting used to your presence. Make sure you do no fast movements. That's my best guess seeing as i've had birds for so long, this never happened to me though so good luck trying my suggestion :) ALSO... if you put your birds in an area where there is 'high traffic' like people quickly running past, and whatnot, like in a hallway, move them. Thats not a good environment for birds, especially non tame ones.

Good Luck :)

well something must of really scared him,,, to get him that way,,,,try a piece of spray millet threw the bars see if he will eat it from you. then try to be patience with him ,,try covering your birds at night. then read up on yahoo.com (cockatiels) this web page will help you with questions you might have,theres a lot to read ....good luck

Hi there. About 3 weeks ago I brought my self 2 cockatiels one of them was easy to tame and is very nice now but the other will not let me go near him. He hisses, makes a horrible screeching sound, backs up in the corner and pretty much does everything he can not to be near me. I've called the store where I got them from and she just said it takes time but he hasn't made any progress and the other is fine with me. But the thing that I can't work out is the horrible screeching sound he makes when I go near him I've never seen any other cockatiels do it and a few mates of mine have some.