Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 11/1/2006

Question
Hi, two weeks ago I bought my cockatiel at the pet store,he seemed   fine.Just the other day I noticed he was looking skinnier.When I got him he was at 92 grams, yesterday I weighed him and he was at 84 grams.He does'nt seem to have much of an appetite I really doubt he eats when I'm not in the house.Is there anything I can do to increase he appetite? Please help me,I'm feeling scared.  

Answer
Hi, Marlenny.  Thanks for posting!

One of the first signs of illness in a bird is weight loss.  The weight loss concerns me.  Is he showing any other signs of illness that you recognize (sleeping alot with feathers fluffed up, abnormal droppings, not drinking, messy vent area, breathing difficulties, etc.)?

How old is your new tiel?  The weight loss could be the result of stress from moving from one location to your home...perhaps the bird isn't adjusting well.  Did you change his diet when you brought him home?  If so, perhaps your tiel doesn't like his new food or he isn't eating it because he doesn't recognize it as food??  

You can't force your bird to eat (or give him anything to increase his appetite)...you need to quickly try to figure out why he isn't eating (if it's the particular food or because he is ill, etc.).

The more detailed information you can provide, the more I'm able to help you and your bird.  Right now I'm inclined to recommend to you that you get your tiel to an avian vet ASAP for a medical evaluation because of the weight loss.  

Thanks.

Chrys