Both of my birds are new, and I am doing every thing they told me to do at the pet store. They have just started doing this. Yet I have not changed their food or any thing like that. If any one has an answer, I would be so greatful....
2007-03-02 15:07:45 · 15 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
NEVER USE COCKATIEL GRIT! Cockatiels do not swallow stones to help them digest and you can cause compactions. There is only one company that still sells that product and I do not know why all petstores have not banned it yet.
sounds like boredom to me or some kind of nutritional deficency- do you have some treats and toys in their cage? You could buy wooden treats for them to munch on. They also need mainly pellets with some seeds for a variety. Fresh veggies is also a good thing. Plenty of toys and a large enough cage is also needed. Do you have a cuttlebone? They can grind and chew on that all they want.
Do you just have wooden dowel perches? Those are bad for their feet if that is the only perch. Try getting some varying ones (cotton rope perches, manzita branches, calcium/sand perches, plastic ones, etc) Any different color, toys, etc can help alliviate boredom.
2007-03-02 15:22:42 · answer #1 · answered by D 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As others have said, cockatiels chew.
Here are some things you can do that the pet store either told you wrong, or may not have known.
1. Take the sand covers off the perches. They only hurt their feet.
2. Purchase toys that they can chew up and play with. Keep at least 3 in the cage at all times. Watch for wear or loose strings.
3. Play with them, they sound bored.
4. DO NOT EVER feed them grit. It causes crop impactation in hookbills and they will die.
Here are some sites you might find helpful.
http://www.cockatiel.org
http://www.cockatielcottage.net
2007-03-03 00:19:32 · answer #2 · answered by Christie D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy them some wooden chew toys to chew on. They are probably just sharping their beaks. Or playing .The toys they have at the store hang from the side of the cage or from the top . What ever you prefer. Cockatiels can also talk when separated and no mirrors in their cages. of course you have to talk to them so they can learn. Like their names ,Hello , Pretty Bird and so on.
2007-03-03 02:06:02 · answer #3 · answered by peggy k 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have four birds and they all eat their wooden perches. I'm not exactly sure why, but I think it's just to file their beak down a little. Or maybe the bark tastes really good. LOL! Good Luck! :)
2007-03-05 19:44:54 · answer #4 · answered by Crissy C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have had two cocktails as well and I think that all parrots need thing like toys (wooden and plastic) and wooden blockes to chew on just because they naturally like to chew on things, like in the wild they chew on bark and pine nuts, I think it also sharpens there beakes. No need to fear it will not hurt them to chew on there perches. I had mine a while ago and have since sold them but I think there are certain twigs and branches that you shouldn't put in there cages and certain ones that you can
2007-03-03 03:14:06 · answer #5 · answered by Nicky 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All birds start to chew at one point or another out of boredom, anxiety, etc. I suggest you get them a bigger cage more toys and get a spray that is specifically designed for spraying your bird's perch so they stop chewing on it. I think this spray is called Bad Apple or something of the such, you can find it at any local pet store.
2007-03-02 23:14:28 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
It could be mal-nourished. Make sure the bird has a healthy and varied diet.
It could also be for psychological reasons to. Extreme boredom or lack of stimulation can lead to neurotic behavior. Its important to remember that these birds are social creatures and need constant interaction, either with the owner or with another bird.
2007-03-03 01:23:50 · answer #7 · answered by geo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can sum this up for you in two words.
BIRDS CHEW
Their beaks are designed to shred, rip,tear and break anything they can find. People get upset because "my bird is chewing and wrecking everything I give her!"
THIS IS NORMAL !!!
A chewing bird is a happy bird!!
You can provide lots of wood to chew, paper to shred, there's products at the pet stores called "Shreddables", give them popsicle sticks, untreated natural leather strips, wooden blocks, We go through lots of toys in a month to keep our flock happy and busy! Birds who aren't supplied things to chew are destined to be pluckers, mutilators, and generally unhappy birds.
Be very happy that your birdies are finding your home comfortable enough to be themselves and do what they do best!!
Good Luck with your feathered friends!
PS. I just noticed "candi" suggested offering grit to your birds, and I need to stress to you the dangers of grit. Since hookbills take the shells off their seeds before eating them, grit isnt needed and can impact the birds' crop, causing death. Please speak to your avian specialist about this, or do some research online. Many bird breeders and vets are now warning against the dangers of grit in a birds diet, please be careful. Additionally, those "mite protectors" have killed more birds than saved. The chemicals used in them rip apart their respiratory systems and basically shut down their lungs. Again, your bird specialist will confirm this if you have any doubts.
Best Wishes!
2007-03-02 23:18:04 · answer #8 · answered by Kimmie 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Birds, especially cockatiels love to chew, its what helps prevent their beaks from over-growing I suggest saving and offering your popsicle sticks and other soft SAFE woods (some are toxic to birds).
2007-03-03 19:08:54 · answer #9 · answered by cuttermik 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Birds like to destroy stuff. give them lots of toys, natural rope, toilet paper/paper towel tubes anything to keep them entertained. Also rope perches, natural branches (make sure they are not poisonous or full of pesticides) and odd shaped perches, are good for their feet.
2007-03-03 01:05:30 · answer #10 · answered by haair 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋