Birds need a diet that is
balanced and full of nutrients and vitamins needed to live healthy. If a
cockatiel does not get the proper nutrients it may lead to illness and disease
in your loving pet. Diet is not the only way birds can become ill. Sometimes
falls or scratches from other household pets can lead to infection. In order to
prevent problems in your cockatiel, here are some of the health concerns that
can be found in cockatiels.
Cockatiels tend not to show signs of illness until it is a problem they can no
longer hide. Sick cockatiels are targeted by their predators in the wild, so
this is the reason why they act healthy for a very long time. Symptoms may show
literally within a few hours and catches most owners completely off guard. Here
are some signs of illness you should be watching out for. If your bird has any
of the following call your vet immediately, audible or laboured breathing,
puffed feathers and sneezing, discharge coming from eyes and nose, change in
overall behaviour, change in stool, lack of energy and change in eating habits.
Some of these symptoms are signs of a serious problem and should never be
ignored. It is best to just take your bird to the vet to make sure everything is
all right.
Purchasing a new cockatiel can be a great way to give your other bird a new
friend. Whenever you buy any bird, it is important to have your vet check the
bird for any diseases or illnesses. Doing this is important to the health and
safety of your other bird. Before introducing your bird to the newcomer, always
quarantine the new bird away from your existing bird. Since the new bird came
from either a pet store or breeding facility, it is possible that he may have
picked up a sickness or disease from another bird. Keep the birds away from each
other for a few weeks and always clean your hands whenever you handle the new
bird. It is possible to spread a disease from your hands.
Your bird may also
experience trauma induced illness. If your bird has an accident it is not
uncommon for your bird to become sick several days later. Whenever your bird
falls and either breaks skin or loses feathers, take your bird to the vet.
Your vet may be able to treat your bird with antibiotics so its wound can heal
properly without infecting the rest of its body.
Having a safe environment, clean cage, and healthy diet will help your
cockatiel to live a full life. Even though it is in a safe controlled
environment, it is always possible for unsuspecting accidents and illnesses to
show. Check on your bird's behaviour every day in order to catch an illness as
soon as symptoms start.
