Hey, I've just wanted to know whether or not my cockatiel is doing it. I haven't caught him at it, so I'm not sure, but I've heard about it, and it makes me a little concerned.
I've had my cockatiel for about a year now, and he's tamed. We left this memorial weekend to the Poconos, and had to leave him at home. We have another, older cockatiel, around 4 years old, not tame, so I thought they'd be okay, with company and all.
When I got back, I noticed some feathers on the bottom of the cage. My cockatiel has new quills growing out around his neck, and possibly more around his wings, etc. I've heard about cockatiels pulling out their feathers when their owners go away; is this true? He seems a little more gaunt and his feathers more oily/raggedy than usual, although only a little.
Also, if this is true, what can I do to help? I'm busy and I still have to go to school today, so how should I deal with this? What if I have to go away on longer trips?
Experts only, please.
2007-05-29 05:55:02 · 4 answers · asked by tien 3 in Pets ➔ Birds
It sounds like your bird is going through a normal molt. Old feathers come out and you'll see quills as the new feathers come in. Pluckers will pull out feathers and have bald patches. Often in cockatiels it is caused by a parasite called giardia, which requires a stool sample to detect. Just watch and see if the new feathers are coming in or not. If you're worried, you might want to contact an avian vet for more info and a check up.
2007-05-29 07:01:37 · answer #1 · answered by KimbeeJ 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
regrettably male cockatiels will do this--pals of mine who owned a pair of cockatiels continuously ended up with 0.5-bald lady birds, and that i had to chop up my own 'tiels because of the fact the male stored attempting to tear the female's head feathers out; she easily did greater harm to him throughout the time of the direction of retaliation (I continually theory it made him look like Igor), yet nevertheless, they have been ripping each and every others' feathers out! isolating them is particularly the only way you may lead them to end.
2016-12-30 06:00:04 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your Birds had territory issues and Im sure they have sorted it out. I don't think there is an alarming situation at hand, just a one of a society nature,
2007-05-29 06:02:11 · answer #3 · answered by Ron N 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No I AM!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007-05-29 05:58:45 · answer #4 · answered by Fishing guy 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋