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Birds--General/Is my bird ill?
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Question
I have a cockatiel about 2 years old. Several weeks ago I noticed that his feathers are not as smooth as they used to be. I thought it was only the melting process but until now it has not improved. The feathers around his neck are fluffy and messy; they look like the underfeather of chicks, the outer layer feathers seems to have fell off. I am concerned because this situation has not improved over the past month. Other than this my tiel seem to have normal behavior. Do you know what might be the reason of this? What should I do?
Hi, Chen,
It usually takes 4-8 weeks for a tiel to molt completely. Poor diet can play a part in feather quality (if your bird is on an all-seed diet), vitamin/mineral deficiency can result in poor feather quality, etc. I really need more information about your bird, what it is being fed, etc., etc., in order to help. You might want to consider taking your bird to a certified avian vet ASAP for a medical exam if none of the above applies.
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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