How do I know when my cockatiel is sick?

As always the information offered here is to provide guidance and is not intended to be a substitute for the good advice provided by your own avian vet. When in doubt always consult your own veterinarian.

How do I know when my bird is sick?

Tail bobbing, sitting "down on the perch" (crouching over its feet), and sitting on the floor of the cage.

Sneezing, clicking respiration (cough), brown-stained feathers above the nostrils (runny nose), or breathing difficulty occurs.

A change in or loss of voice or song is apparent.

Your cockatiel's behavior changes; it becomes sleepy (eyes closing), less active, and withdrawn.

There is a change in appetite. Loss of appetite or increase appetite.

Your bird drinks more water than normal.

Droppings become loose or change in color.

The number of droppings decreases. Count the number of droppings daily when changing the cage. Fewer droppings may indicate that your cockatiel is not eating well.

Your bird "fluffs up."

A long molt and scratching or picking feathers occurs.