Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hi, i'm back again, i solved my problem my two untamable birds are now in an avairey, and we got a hand reared cockatiel for the children, he is lovely, i am starting to think he is a she though, i was reading a book on them last night to see why herbie is pulling tail feathers out, admittitly they were scruffy herbie may just be tidying him/herself up,but i read about french moult, now herbie does pull feathers out and chew like the book suggests, but it also states this could be the cause of an egg being stuck due to not having enough minerals, but herbie has a mineral block, a cuttle fish ,grit ,regular seed and fruit and veg also i put vitamins in the water, any ideas what this could be and how to solve the problem,i would appriciate any comments or advice on what to do next. Also up to press herbie has been very friendly but last night herbie was the opposite hissing and going to bite, this morning we have a happy cuddley herbie again, so i am a tad confused, please help.

If you suspect egg binding you may want to get to a vet. This can become fatal in less than 24 hours. However she may just be fixing her feathers. How old is she?

Look at her vent is it clean? If it is soiled with wet droppings there may be another problem. This may be the time for a well check with a vet.

Also, experts long ago thought that grit was necessary for cockatiels and budgies. But further research has shown that they don't need grit and in fact it is bad for them. They can get impacted crops from it. I know stores still sell it and advocate it for tiels but that is only for the money. Its best to remove it.

Tiels can be moody. They are very hormonal and can change rapidly. She may have been tired last night. Maybe didn't feel good. My tiel goes through episodes of being less than friendly. Then goes back to being a cuddle bug. They are not domesticated like our cats and dogs are. They are in fact still wild animals and it shows.

Keep an eye on her. Remember that birds hide their illnesses so if you see any signs of illness (like sickly droppings) its best to be safe and go to an avian vet.

Hi , thanks for the advice i actually took her to the vet this afternoon as i thought she should be seen sooner than later, she has no signs of eggs, they think she may have had mites when i got her i have been spraying with mite repellant every few days, but maybe i have not put enough on or got to the right places, they gave me a spray to do the cage that is for killing mites and their eggs, so i will do that once the kids are in bed. Thanks for advice on grit i shall remove that, also there is a small amount mixed through her food supply will that be ok or should i just get rid of it?

Hi again,opps sorry forgot to say she is 5 months old, her vents are clear as the vet checked and her droppings are fine. thanks again.

That's great you took her to a vet!! Bravo!!

So many people don't think of veteranary care when they buy these birds but it is essential. Its refreshing to meet you!

As for the grit I'd get rid of the food supply that has it. Its really not good for them at all unfortunately.

Glad you're taking care of your birdie