Help! My new rescue bird is super shy and won't come out of his cage

Hey everyone, I just adopted a 2-year-old cockatiel from a rescue last week. His name is Mango. He's eating and drinking fine, but he's SO shy. He just sits in the back corner of his cage all day and flinches if I even walk by. I talk to him softly and offer millet but he won't take it. Is this normal? How long does it take for rescue birds to adjust? I'm worried he's traumatized or something. Any advice would be awesome!

Congrats on the rescue! I'm mostly into reptiles but I've had a few birds over the years. With my bearded dragons, I always give them like 2 weeks of zero handling when they're new - just let them settle in. Birds might be similar? Maybe just sit near the cage and read or watch TV so he gets used to you being around without pressure. Also, covering part of the cage with a light cloth might make him feel safer, kinda like how I give my snakes hides. Good luck!

Patty's got a point about letting them acclimate. In my aquariums, when I add new fish, I dim the lights and keep things quiet for a few days. Birds are prey animals too, so they're naturally skittish. Try not to make sudden movements or loud noises near the cage. Maybe play some soft music? I do that for my betta fish and they seem to chill out. Also, consistency is key - try to be around at the same times each day so he learns your routine.

lol I'm a cat person but my sister has parakeets. Her rescue took like a month to stop being a scaredy-cat... er, bird. Honestly, just be patient. Don't force it. My cat Mr. Whiskers hid under the bed for 3 weeks when I got him. Now he's a total diva who demands treats at 5am. Give Mango time and space. Maybe try putting the cage in a quiet corner where he can see the room but isn't in the middle of everything. And keep offering those treats - eventually he'll cave, trust me!