Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 4/29/2007

Question
QUESTION: I Have two cockatiel and i am guessing they are two females because i had about 10 eggs about 2 months ago and they did not hatch.  anyway my cockatiel one is getting bald behind the feathers above the head and it is only getting worse it is about down its neck.  Why is my bird getting bald????
ANSWER: Hi, Sam.

Since this bird can't reach its own feathers behind its head and down its neck in the back, sounds to me like the other bird is overpreening this bird.  This is normal behavior.  Birds preen each other, and one is just preening the other too much.  The feathers will grow back.

Yes, you could have 2 females laying infertile eggs.  If you could describe your tiels colorations and behavior to me, I might be able to tell you if you have 2 females or a female and a male.  

Chrys

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello i got your message. My cockitels are yellow and wite. the spots on the cheecks looks the same to me.  One is well acts mean than the other.  the one that is alot less bald seems like its the boss of the cage.  the really bald one is the sweetheart that one wistles to me alot when i wistle to it. It listens to me and come to me when i want.  It pecks on the cage a lot.  The other one is starting to wistle a little bet more.  That one is the mean one.  It really dont want to learn a hole lot i think it is jellous.
But it knows when i want it to come to me.  They are really lovable to me.  they are getting use to my wife now. Let me know what you think.  If you need more info ill try to answer as best as i can.
Sam

Answer
Hi again, Sam.

If your tiels are white with some yellow here and there, they sound like they could be lutinos.  You might want to look lutinos up on the internet and tell me if your birds look like ones you might find there.  Is there any way you can send me a picture of your birds?  This would help me try to sex them for you.  

The balding is most likely the other bird overpreening.  However, feather loss could be due to molting, improper diet, no bathing, vitamin/mineral deficiency, etc.  What type of diet are your birds on?  Do they bathe or do you spray mist them?  Do they have sufficient lighting?  The more detailed information you can provide about what is going on, the better I might be able to help.

Chrys