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Birds--General/cockatiel tucking food under feathers

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Expert: - 12/30/2006


Question
When our 5 year cockatiel is given fresh fruit or veggies, most of it is put under her feathers.  She turns her head to the right and seems to be tucking it up under her feathers above her wing.  Do you know why she does this?  is this normal behavior for a cockatiel?  

Answer
Hi, Carol.  Thanks for posting!

I've never seen, heard, nor read of any parrot tucking food under it's feathers, so no, it isn't normal behavior for a tiel.  Lovebirds will tuck nesting material under their feathers and carry it back to the nesting box.  Are you sure this is what she is doing or could she be doing something else with her head or beak?  In other words, do you actually see food tucked under her feathers when she turns her head back around or could she be rubbing her head/beak on her feathers?

Chrys

Birds--General

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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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