I don't have too much to add, but I'll throw my own comments and experiences in

Why do you do if your Tiel nips at you?

I would also not do the beak tapping thing, it could have a reverse effect in making the bird more confrontational as it would see you as "pecking back" at it. If a bird bites/nips, I think it's important first of all to have as little reaction as possible, jerking away or yelling might have a rewarding effect as the bird might see itself as dominating you or winning its way by making you remove your hand. If it's a fearful bite, I'd simply try to ignore it and be persistent with getting him/her to step up by saying in a neutral voice to "step up". If it's aggressive biting then I'd say putting the bird back in the cage and giving it no attention for awhile would be good.

How do you teach it the "step up" or "down" (step on/get off finger) command?

I taught Dawn the same way Logan talked about, but I did not teach her a step down command either. When I lower my hand somewhere she seems to know it is to put her down and she will generally just step down on her own.

Do you think it is okay to buy a tiel from a pet store?

I got my tiel Dawn from PetSmart. At the time, the birds there looked really nice and they sold hand raised chicks. (They have since changed management and I don't care for how their birds look now). I also agree with Logan to just check the store out and see how the birds look.


What are the pros and cons of getting a female?

I was not sure when I got Dawn if she was male or female, but she turned out to be a girl. Females are usually quieter (in my case, Dawn is physiologically mute). I have had a male and female tiel and both were sweet natured but my girl Dawn has always been much more cuddly. It probably has a lot to do with how they are raised and socialized when babies. Dawn is a VERY affectionate and cuddly bird, she loves to snuggle

Since I am a first time owner should I be getting a female or male?

I also agree with Logan that it depends on what you want, but also realize that with tiels unless you get DNA testing done you cannot for certain tell the sexes apart when they are young. There are always exceptions of course, but males are generally more vocal and more likely to whistle and talk, but also make more racket in general . Again in my experience females have been more docile, less likely to bite, and more affectionate but I have not had lots of tiels and this could vary from bird to bird.

Hope this helps and good luck! Tiels are generally very sweet and good natured birds and make wonderful pets!