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Birds--General/Cockateils binging and purging
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Question
We have a cockateil who is about 14 years old. Over the last month molly will eat like a pig, then zoom up to the top of the cage, start ringing her bell and bringing up all the bird seed she just pigged out on, then back to the bottom for more food. She continues do this over and over again until most of the food is gone. She dosen't seem to be sick at all, in fact she has lots of energy and has lots to say. Our other bird died 1 & 1/2 years ago but it didn't seem to bother Molly. Should we be concerned about this new behavior? the 2 never had any babies, we think they were both males but we wern't sure.
Thanks
Ronnna
Hi, Ronna. Thanks for posting.
Sounds to me like your tiel might be bonded to her bell and regurgitation is her way of showing her affection to the bell.
When 2 birds are bonded to each other, especially pair-bonded birds, the male feeds the female and vice versa. This could be what your tiel is doing with the bell. Since the other bird died, perhaps the remaining tiel sought friendship with her bell, and the regurgitation is her way of showing her affection to the bell, similar to 2 birds feeding each other.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
Chrys Meatyard
Expertise
I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.
Experience
Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.
Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.
Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.
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