Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Good afternoon,

I adopted a 3 month old White Faced tiel from a local hobbyist in my area. I noticed that his or hers head feather (not sure what it is called ) hasn't grown in yet and his tail feathers are all in disarray. Is that normal? Also he hasn't eaten anything since I brought him home last night, could anyone recommend something else beside seed that I can use to entice him to eat?

Thanks alot

Nicole

It's probably best to get your new tiel on pellet food. It's better for them than seeds. Seeds are like junk food, your bird will live but not be as healthy or fit. It took several weeks for me to wean my bird off seeds and onto pellets. My bird was very scraggly when I got her but she loved me so I got her regardless. Her feathers grew out just fine afterward -- she must have been pecked by more aggressive birds in the cage.

Yes you should get your bird on pellets. Also fresh greens are good for them too.

Don't make it a sudden diet change, make it gradual so no implications pop up.

Also take her to the vet for a check up.

She may not eat for a couple of days. She's ina new environmaent to what she's used to & they tend to either start eating once they've settled in their new home or they over eat (continual eating) due to nerves.