Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I just aquired a female tiel, was told she was 2 yrs old but have since found out she is much older. Possibly 7-8. I also found out that she was previously kept in a cage w/many other tiels and they really mutilated her! She is almost bald on her head and has old scars around her left eye and around her beak. I got her wings/nails clipped and now I can at least get her to get on my finger. She is very tempermental and hacks ferociously...OUCH! I know it will take time but one thing does concern me, when I do handle her, she shakes and puffs up (non-stop), isn't real vocal but is happy to chomp my fingers. She was raised on seed and am now integrating ppl food and fruits/veggies into her diet. Any suggestions on the hacking and puffing? I have kids so I don't want them to get hurt by her beak as I already have. (No blood yet but it still smarts!) Sorry for the lengthy request but we need some help with her issues! Thanks again!

All you can do is give her time. If she's been treated badly in the past whether by other birds or people it will take longer than normal for her to stop shaking & stop biting you. Try & avoid putting you hand in her cage for a while longer. She'll settle quicker if she's left alone & feels secure in her own cage.
Why did you have her nails clipped? Next time you have her wings clipped, give her nails a miss. They should never have nail clipped unless they're growing & not stopping. If this is the cage, then being in her own cage & being able to wonder around freely may stop her nails growing so you won't have to clip them.
Females generally aren't vocal & are quiet.
Until she's completely calm never have her alone with the kids.

As I said all you can do is give her time, lots of it.

Thank you for your input, i really appreciate it. Her nails were clipped because they were really overgrown, she hasn't gotten alot of excercise from what I've been told. The kids are not allowed to go near her cage unless myself or hubby are there. They've been really good with her and talk to her every day. They can't wait for her to settle in. Found out today she loves apples and broccoli!
Thanks again!

As kimforster said it will take lots of time. I am glad you are changing her diet, it sounds like you will be a wonderful owner. Try to let her get used to you without invading her space and when you do want her out try to get her to come to you instead of going in after her, even if it takes a bit of a bribe to do it.

Good luck and enjoy your new feathered friend.