New cockatiel is trembling

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New cockatiel is trembling

I just got a young cockatiel today, he seems content (Crest down, grinding his beak, sometimes napping) But he occasionally trembles and he has a puffed-up look. Is he just cold? His tail feathers are also ragged, but the people we bought him from just said young birds were reckless with their tails and it's just from running around the cage and hanging out.

He isn't picking at his feathers as far as I can see. Overall he seems healthy, but very scared of me especially when my hands are near him. I'm scared I've ruined our relationship forever. Thanks if you can help!

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New cockatiel is trembling

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Feb 23, 2011

Cockatiel trembling
by: The Avian Vet

I find it unusual that a hand fed baby cockatiel is so afraid. Don?t worry, if he is a young bird you have plenty of time to develop a good relationship. If he is in the bottom of the cage and fluffed, he could be sick. Put a heating pad on his cage and make an appointment with your avian veterinarian if this is the case.

Dr B

Feb 22, 2011

New cockatiel is trembling
by: Linda

All new birds have to be examined by an Avian Vet because they easily contract infections from being put into cage with a lot of other birds. This is especially true for the very young ones. Take him to Avian Vet within the first few days or week you have him because he may be suffering with an infection which will not get well until he is diagnosed and treated by an Avian Vet. Take him to an Avian Vet ONLY because dog and cat vets are not licensed or trained in the care of birds and will either do nothing or kill him with too much of or the wrong kind of meds. Give him NO over the counter meds especially those found in pet stores because until you know what is wrong with him, he cannot be treated correctly.

All new birds are frightened as they are under a lot of stress with the new home, people, pets and all. Take him to the avian vet first and then let him get used to you and his cage, toys and dishes. You'll need to do a lot of study about him, and some good books can be found here as well as a wealth of information on the internet. Learning about birds is a lifelong project, so get started now as the more you learn, the better caretaker you will be for your bird.

Thanks for writing,
Linda

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