Cockatiel

[Dolly-Bird]

I am currently looking after my Nan's cockatiel whilst she, and my grandad are on holiday.
The bird is approx. 23 years of age and has plucked his feathers for as long as I can remember.
Is there anything we can do to help prevent him from doing this??

[PAUL HEARN]

Hi Dolly-Bird,

I'm sorry to say that a Bird who has plucked themself up until a very late age probably has no hope in being cured. :(
But at the same time it is always worth a try in helping the Bird stop this, my first thought's would be occupation of time, or a companion.

Occupation of time would include Toys, sounds & Human company, the companion side of things is obvious, another Cockatiel.

Paul.

[dave85]

hey dolly-bird,

I had a hand reared rosella back when i first started, which we now know doesnt turn out to well and she became a aviary bird but anyway.

She plucked herself, so what we did was to spray her with warm water that had a natural rose hip water with something else in it, that we bought from boots and we sprayed her with that and she didnt pluck herself as much.

Also she got a mate too, she seemed happier & regrew some feathering.

Always worth a try.

Thanks
Dave H

[Dolly-Bird]

Heya!

Like Paul said, the bird is at a very late age and therefore think it would be a bad idea to get him a lady friend. I shall try the warm water thing that Dave mentioned.
The bird also has toys to occupy his time already.

Thank you both for the replies. :D

[PAUL HEARN]

Hello Dolly-Bird,

It would not be a bad idea to introduce some new toys to give the Cockatiel a change, Parrotlike thrive on stimulation so a change in toys would certainly help if changed one at a time.

Paul.

[Dolly-Bird]

Hey Paul.

Mum's been spraying the bird with Savlon Spray when ever he plucks at his feathers. At the moment it seems to be working.

Will mention it to Grandad about the new toys.

[PAUL HEARN]

DOH!! :shock:

I've slipped up on this one!! :roll:

What I haven't asked is exactly what is the diet for the Cockatiel?
Sometimes plucking can be due to a dietry deficiency, does the Bird receive Fruit, Veg & other Greens? Also what is the seed mixture provided & does the Bird have access to Minerals such as Oystershell Grit & Iodine blocks?
Also most Parrolike enjoy Digestive Biscuit as a treat.

Paul. :D