Help!! Cockatiel Lead Poisoning?

I have a 6 year old cockatiel named Pip. My birthday was a month ago, and my friend got me some hoop earrings; I knew that cockatiels could get heavy metal poisoning so I asked them what the earrings were made out of and they said stainless steel. I'd put Pip on my shoulder and he would nibble on my earrings time to time. Today however, I noticed how he started chewing and something flaked off. I immediately touched his beak and made sure he didn't swallow anything but he started grinding his beak meaning he definitely swallowed some particles. Concerned, I asked my friend where they bought the earrings and they said Brandy Melville, which has earrings that are relatively cheap priced. I check the website and the materials says "lead, nickel, cadium component". I'm super worried about Pip now as he's been chewing on the earrings for a month now. I haven't seen any symptoms but I noticed that he's been closing his eyes a lot more and seems sleepy? He naps throughout the day so I wasn't too worried but I've been keeping my eye on him since and now I'm worried that it's a symptom of heavy metal poisoning. Does Pip have heavy metal poisoning and if so, what can I do at the moment?

You can get him tested if you want. Here is one link:
https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/lead-and-zinc-toxicity-in-birds/

There are usually poop changes and neurological issues.

Your bird is probably fine, but they don't have to swallow visible particles to get poisoned by metals. If they just suck on it, that CAN be enough-- so, while you are probably fine (based on behavior) I wouldn't assume that you would SEE particles.

Hi, thank you for your response.
I've been monitoring his poop and I think Pip really needs to go to the vet. Here's a picture: https://imgur.com/a/FfPiJDf
Based off of the pictures on the Internet, it looks like he has a bacterial infection of sorts. His urates look curdled and clumpy and his urine is an orange-yellow color. I'm not too sure what to do as this is my first time having a problem with Pip but I'll be scheduling a vet appointment.

Likely an illness. Commonly, it is the transition between normal poop and something different. It is important to remember that any change in the diet 'wet Veggies, fruit, etc.. can also cause a wetter than normal poop.

So, over the last couple of days, it's a review of what has been provided /eaten and resulting change in the poop. Check tomorrows poop to verify a directional change in the poop.

Sadly, it's time to stop excepting questionable gifts. They can become very expensive quickly...

I'll post what info I have found
Heavy Metals, Especially Lead, Zinc and Copper
Metals are everywhere in our environments and are an often overlooked source of toxicity in pet birds. Metals can be found in paint, linoleum, soldering, wire, zippers, twist ties and many other objects on which birds love to chew. Even some older bird toys, especially the clappers on metal bells, have been found to contain lead. Birds who may chip away over time at a lead-painted windowsill, lick a metal bell toy, nibble on the soldering of a stained glass Tiffany lamp or chew on a metal zipper are constantly ingesting heavy metals and can potentially become intoxicated. When ingested in large enough quantities, these metals can damage nerves and cause vomiting, maldigestion, neurologic signs, such as imbalance and clenched toes and even seizures. Most cases of heavy metal toxicity in birds are treatable if they are diagnosed early enough before permanent nerve damage has occurred. However, these metals are not routinely tested for in birds unless the owner indicates that his or her bird has been exposed. So, if you think your bird may have ingested any of these substances, speak up to your veterinarian immediately, as it could be the difference between life and death.

Chronic zinc toxicity, can happen more than we think. So info on this.

" And from a different article, note ITCHY us a symptom listed below
"More commonly however is chronic zinc poisoning, where small amounts are taken in over a period of time. This is often not in the form of zinc metal, so x-rays may not show up any metal particles in the stomach.

Signs of chronic zinc poisoning may be vague, with depression, lethargy, weight loss and problems eating. Chronic zinc poisoning has been show to be a cause of feather picking in some birds and appears to cause feather loss, skin changes and itching in others.

Chelation treatment can resolve picking in these cases. There are obviously many causes of feather destructive behaviour and zinc poisoning is perhaps over diagnosed as a cause of feather picking. Feather loss on the head, where the bird cannot pick the feathers, can be suspicious for zinc poisoning, although again this is only one of many possible causes.

The most common source of zinc is newly galvanised wire. This can be made safer by brushing the wire and applying a mild acetic acid (vinegar) to remove powder and particulates.

Zinc or zinc alloys are found in a number of household items, including coins, keys, wire, staples and jewellery. The metal in older or less reputably sourced cages can contain zinc. Powder coatings prevent access to the metal, but care should be exercised if the coating is chewed off to expose the metal underneath.

Blood samples can be used to determine zinc poisoning, however the diagnosis is a little trickier than with lead. Firstly when taking the blood sample, a special syringe that does not have a rubber plunger must be used, as contact with rubber will affect the result.

Also normal zinc levels vary widely across different species of Parrot and even within some species. Some birds will have high zinc levels with no apparent ill effects. This can make it problematic to definitively say that the level of zinc within the bird is high enough to cause a problem."

https://todaysveterinarypractice.com/lead-and-zinc-toxicity-in-birds/

General info and helpful tips for a sick bird
https://www.littlecrittersvet.com/sick-birds.pml

Poop info
http://freedomflightsparrotrescue.ca/is-your-bird-suffering-from-poopology/

I also have e a link on poop I will look for
To me tge piop looks abnormal, but could be illness not metal. An avsin vet specialist is definitely a good idea

Of course your baby could be fine. But when anyone has concerns we offer what we can. But the best thing is an avin vet specialist exam.
Hopefully everything will be ok . Let us know

I echo the chorus of recommendations for a vet check and diagnostics. Most important to find a certified avian vet, as they have specialized training and equipment. A standard "exotics" practice may try the "shotgun" approach to testing/treating the most common illnesses before stumbling on a correct therapy.

Hope Pip is well, please keep us updated!

Hello, thank you everyone for your response! I've been keeping an eye on Pip; while he seems fine his droppings do not look normal at all. The avian vet I usually go to is closed so I made an appointment for one that's around 5 hours away from where I live. Thank you all for your advice and input, I hope things are all okay with Pip!

Can you post a picture if his poop?
So glad you are going to vet . Hooe tgey csn help fix em right up.

As someone who just went through hell with my bird based partly on strange droppings, I'd say to trust your gut instinct.