Introduction here are two problems with cockatiel illness. The first is recognizing it. And the second is treating it. Odd but true; the first is the bigger challenge. T Why so? Avian instinct in general is rather peculiar. An ill bird will act healthier than it really is. It does this to avoid the attention of predators to itself and to the flock. It tries to keep its illness even from flockmates to avoid their displeasure. This is true even of Cockatiels. Because of this inborn behavior, often a cockatiel can be very sick before one realizes that something is wrong with the bird. Fortunately it will exhibit certain physical signs that indicate that all is not well with the bird. Abnormal breathing Change in the quantity, color and consistency of droppings Abnormal looking feathers, feather growth or dropping Physical Signs of Illness Health Fluffed appearance Changes in energy level Bleeding Unusual discharge from beak, eyes and nostrils Drooping head or tail Soiled vent Weight loss Behavorial Signs of Illness Change in sleep patterns or posture Change in its general activities like preening, talking, whistling, playing etc.

Change in the way in which they interact with humans, other birds/ pets Changes in perching spots and posture Health Health Disorientation Unusual intake of water Loss of appetite Resting on the cage floor Vomitting If you notice any of the above symptoms, you may attempt some first aid. All ill birds stay as motionless as possible in order to conserve energy. So the first thing to do, is not disturb the bird unless absolutely necessary. Handle it only when you have to feed it or give it water. Make sure the bird's cage is warm enough. Use an indirect heat source. Maintain a higher than usual cage humidity. Place the cage in a calm location with soft lighting. Keep a bowl of clean water and a bowl with the bird's favorite feed. Cockatiel first aid You should always be prepared for emergencies and have the right information and equipment. You should keep hydrogen peroxide. This is a very good antiseptic for all types of cuts and scratches. It can also be used on bleeding wounds. Other antiseptics that can be used are iodine, betadyne and antiseptic wash or pads.

Avoid antiseptic creams as they cake the feathers and cause them to lose heat. Also, they will try to remove the cream from the feathers and ingesting the cream could be very harmful to the bird. You should also keep cotton swabs, cotton balls, gauze pads or a combination of these products to apply the antiseptic. Bandage material should also be kept and the type and size varies from bird to bird. Keep a pair of scissors in the first-aid kit to cut the bandage. Quite often, if conditions are helpful the bird will recoup because of its internal disease fighting mechanism. If no improvement is noticed in a day or two, show the bird to an Health avian vet.

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