HELP! I think I'm killing this bird...

odusgolp
odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
edited September 2024 in Chit-Chat
I'm the foster mommy to a seven year old female cockateil. I've had her for about seven months now. She is losing feathers big time. Probably a good dozen in the past week and a half - large feathers, not little downy fluff. She has never done this before. Any ideas? She's acting totally fine otherwise. Still super social, clear eyes, looks good.... I really really don't want to kill this bird.

Replies

  • CountryDevil
    CountryDevil Posts: 819 Member
    Is she eating ok? If not she may be a bit malnutritioned.and can happen if her digestive tract is messed up. Are you pitting "grit and sand pit for her? Birds need this to digest properly. You might also see about getting some vitamin drops to put in her water. That should help her out some with the multing. However some multing is normal.
  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    What the heck is pitting grit and sand pit *LOL*

    I know nothing about birds. Her daddy told me to feed & water the girl every two days and clean her cake every couple weeks. That's really all I do. She's able to come out when I'm home and loves walkin around and being held.

    I think she's eating just fine. I haven't really noticed anything.

    What kind of vitamins does she need? She won't eat anything "treat" related - like carrot or cheese or other things I've read. She'll only eat her seed (and picky at that) and millet.

    I'm so bird dumb *LOL*
  • millerll
    millerll Posts: 873 Member
    Birds should get fresh water and food every day, not every 2 days. As to food, if she's only ever had seed, she won't recognize anything else as food. Most birds can be converted to pellets over time - they just have to learn that it's food and it's good. She can also eat fresh veggies and a little fruit, as well as some rice or pasta. Go easy on salty and sugary stuff. If she's social, and it sounds like she is, sometimes they'll convert to a new food watching YOU eat it. They imitate the other birds in their flock - which includes you - and she may try something if she sees you eating it in front of her. Especially if you make a big deal out of how yummy it is. Really - this does work sometimes!

    As to the feathers, she may just be going through her annual molt. Most birds molt their feathers once a year, usually just before their natural mating season, so they have nice new plumage to attract a mate. Sounds gross, but how do her droppings look? They should be solid and not too runny. Color is usually grerenish. Black or brown droppings can be a sign of a problem. Is she plucking the feathers herself? Due to stress or poor diet or just boredom, they sometimes do that. Make sure she gets enough natural sunlight. Place her cage near a sunny window (not direct sunlight - too hot) for a few hours a day if you can.

    If it persists, a trip to the vet may be in order in a few days. They should get at least an annual check-up anyway. Good luck!
  • CountryDevil
    CountryDevil Posts: 819 Member
    What the heck is pitting grit and sand pit *LOL*


    Stupid auto correct....

    There are drops you can put other water that are basically vitamins. Walmart carries them and I think they're called "vita-drops"....... Go figure...
  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    Thanks guys! I am so paranoid. I never liked birds, but agreed to take her for a year for a friend. I've completely fallen in love with her. I come home, open the cage and she hops up on my shoulder. She can walk on my dog who could care less that the bird exists... I'm ridiculously attached now and would be devastated if something happened.

    If she is just molting, how long would that happen for? Cause I'm not going to hesitate to take her to the vet if it seems abnormal.

    Her poops look like they always do? White & green *LOL* Ew :)
  • Seajolly
    Seajolly Posts: 1,435 Member
    I don't know if this would cause it, but make sure you don't burn candles or have aromatics (such as air fresheners) in the house! Birds have VERY sensitive lungs and it will kill them. It killed my boyfriend's bird. :frown:
  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    I don't know if this would cause it, but make sure you don't burn candles or have aromatics (such as air fresheners) in the house! Birds have VERY sensitive lungs and it will kill them. It killed my boyfriend's bird. :frown:

    Ummm... I work for an air freshner manufacturing company and yes I have them.... I have the same ones I've always had, no more.

    That's.... scary :(
  • millerll
    millerll Posts: 873 Member
    Honestly, I'm not sure for cockatiels. I'd recommend you check out a forum for cockatiel owners for advice. I've always had finches, and they usually molt for a few days to a week or so. She shouldn't have any bald spots or bare skin patches Her poops sound good though! Best of luck with her!
  • HannahPastoor
    HannahPastoor Posts: 303
    Can you call/email the owner?

    We have a blue and gold macaw. But he has never had problems. UNLESS you call him screaming "Wanna treat? Yummy! Come here Mocha! Moooomm!!!!! Whatcha doing Jazz? Pretty boy! Helllo!!!! Step up." Over and over and over and over......
  • Rurouni_Kou
    Rurouni_Kou Posts: 180 Member
    I don't know if this would cause it, but make sure you don't burn candles or have aromatics (such as air fresheners) in the house! Birds have VERY sensitive lungs and it will kill them. It killed my boyfriend's bird. :frown:

    Ummm... I work for an air freshner manufacturing company and yes I have them.... I have the same ones I've always had, no more.

    That's.... scary :(

    Get rid of them. Air fresheners, smoke, teflon pans, and anything else that puts crap into the air is TOXIC to birds. Teflon pans WILL kill your bird (and they're bad for humans as well). Please get rid of anything like that. Also do your research: you obviously have access to internet so hit up google and do some major research on how to properly care for a cockatiel. You should -never- have a pet without doing your research on how to take care of it first and if you somehow find yourself suddenly with an unexpected pet, the FIRST thing you do (other than take it to the vet for a well animal checkup and any needed shots and tests) is to Do. Your. Research.

    Your bird should always ALWAYS have access to fresh food and water- the water also usually needs to be changed at least twice a day since they tend to foul the water with food, poop, toys, etc. on a regular (hourly..) basis. Don't just feed that crap food (seed based diet). A pellet based diet is usually best for most parrots and they should always be given fresh greens, fruits and vegetables.

    Also, TAKE IT TO THE VET. If you're afraid it's ill do NOT wait, take it to the vet PRONTO. Birds are very delicate and what you may think may be nothing (a bit of lethargy, an over-active moult cycle) can hide illness that is deadly to the bird. Vet. Pronto!

    For more info than just these basics check out:
    http://parrot-lovers.livejournal.com (LJ is having issues lately and so if it doesn't load u p right away try back later)
    http://rationalparrot.com/


    *Owner of a sun conure, previously owner of budgerigars and green cheek conures, has had parrots for 15 years...*
  • i_love_vinegar
    i_love_vinegar Posts: 2,092 Member
    Im not too familiar with cockatiels, but I love birds and have a pigeon (I saved off the streets) staying with a friend (who has a few hundred birds) until I get back from study abroad. Anyways, you aren't supposed to use any kind of spray around birds, like another said. I would suggest taking the bird to an aviary vet (bird vet).

    Also, you are supposed to give clean food and water on a daily basis, and should clean out the cage at least every 3 days. While fresh air is good, make sure the bird isn't in a cold cage, or a too hot cage.

    I suggest taking the bird to the vet to be safe :/ Birds are high maintenance animals in the sense that the vet bills are higher (prob because they can catch sick etc more easily).

    I :heart: birds so feel free to let me know if you need any help ever!
  • carlq
    carlq Posts: 1
    I had a parakeet for 15 years, and several before that; make sure the bird has grit; vitamins, and a cuttle bone at the very least; also lots of toys. If a bird is used to lots of handling, and they are left alone for long periods they may get neurotic and starting tearing out feathers; they can also grieve (older parrots are known to "pine away" (die) from grief when they loose a master). You can help by playing with her a lot (2-3 times a day for exercise and talking etc.).
  • Rurouni_Kou
    Rurouni_Kou Posts: 180 Member
    I had a parakeet for 15 years, and several before that; make sure the bird has grit; vitamins, and a cuttle bone at the very least; also lots of toys. If a bird is used to lots of handling, and they are left alone for long periods they may get neurotic and starting tearing out feathers; they can also grieve (older parrots are known to "pine away" (die) from grief when they loose a master). You can help by playing with her a lot (2-3 times a day for exercise and talking etc.).

    No, psittacines (which include cockatiels and budgerigars/parakeets) do NOT need grit. They crack open the hulls of shells and eat the seed inside and therefore do not need grit in their crop to break down the seed. Grit is only needed for birds that need it to break down the seed in the crop, birds that swallow seeds whole such as chickens , doves and other straight bill birds like that. NOT psittacines. Pellet diets are best for most psittacines, not seed diet (seeds are low in nutrients, like potatoe chips, and should only be given sparingly as treats) which makes grit even more useless for parrots. Feeding grit to parrots can cause problems like malnutrition and impaction. The only time grit is fed to psittacines is when a vet prescribes it for special circumstances.

    http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww58eii.htm
  • foodfight247
    foodfight247 Posts: 767 Member
    My ex has an african grey parrot and he's been malting recently. Back in 2007, we had a Timnia Grey Parrot that sadly passed away.

    The African Grey is really sweet. He loved me when I was there and used to let me stroke him for ages. Sometimes, he used to try and bring his food up which is a sign that they're totally broody for you. I loved that parrot.

    He's got another woman looking after him now. Won't come up to me anymore.....

    I think your cockatiel will be fine. Sounds like he's just malting during the summer months.....keep an eye on him though. Especially if he was coughing or sneezing. That'll be a sign that he's got an infection. Make sure his cage is cleaned out at least once a week. That will help with any dust that gathers - moreso on the cage itself.

    Sounds like your being a great surrogate mum to him! :happy:
  • odusgolp
    odusgolp Posts: 10,477 Member
    First, no, I can't call the owner. He got deployed to Afghanistan. His ex-wife got p*ssed at him for getting deployed (yup) and wouldn't take the bird in the final hours. So, the day he was leaving I told him I'd take her, but forewarned him I don't like, nor know anything about birds.

    Now that you have the background on how I ended up with her....

    Well, she's done remarkably well with me, to be honest. She used to not get enough sunlight and would lay eggs. She never has since I've had her. She comes out every day for at least an hour and hangs out. She's a very happy bird. May sound odd, but I know she's a very happy camper and not "depressed." She will fly over to a man in a heartbeat, though, so I imagine she misses her papa.

    I'll keep an eye on her and see how she's acting. As far as the food goes, I have tried pellets and all sorts of other things I read about online and she's not having it. *shrug*
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