What should I do?

[maria_timeeaa]

I've got a new bird it's a whiteface cinnamon pearl cockatiel and I think she's a girl.Is it normal for her to sleep much?Also she can't sing or chirip yet.Why?How can I tell how old she is?Sometimes she keeps her eyes closed like she's sleeping puffying feathers a bit is that okay?And the poop.it's kinda watery and a green color.It doesn't stink.and she's properly eating and drinks water too.Am I overreacting?

 

[Niner10Tango]

Did you purchase the cockatiel from a store or a breeder? When you purchased the cockatiel, did the seller tell you how old the bird was? How long has the bird been home with you? You need some patience and let the bird acclimate to it's new surroundings. Everything is very new to him/her. It took my tiel almost 4 weeks before he started to vocalize. I little chirp here and there, but I let him adjust to his surroundings on his own terms. Do you play soft music (not loud) while your away? Speak softly to it? Are you establishing a routine such as the time you uncover in the morning to the time you cover at night? Cockatiels love routine, well at least mine does. What kind of diet does your baby have? Are you introducing any veggies such as a carrot and peas mash (can find many recipes online)?

 

[zERo]

Is the bird always puffy like that? Constant puffiness or squinting eyes are red flags.

 

[ravvlet]

If this is a new bird, it’s always a good idea to establish care and a wellness check with a certified avian vet!

Like other folks said though, sometimes they’re quiet when you first get them home!

Don’t be shy about sharing poop photos if you have concerns also, we’ve seen it all, haha.

 

[HeatherG]

Is this a baby? If not, it’s very disheveled and that concerns me.

 

[LaManuka]

Welcome to the forums to you and your sweet baby, @maria_timeeaa. I agree with the sentiments expressed above, that the puffiness, squinty eyes and watery poop are of concern. As @ravvlet mentioned, it's generally a good idea to have a new bird checked for wellness wherever practicable because they are unfortunately SO good at hiding illness. Even if nothing is found to be wrong, it establishes a relationship with your vet in the event of a sudden emergency in future. I'm not sure where in the world you're located or if you already have a bird vet you use, but the following link will help you to find an avian specialist if you don't already have one ...

Avian Vet Resources

After a suggestion by a member, @Abu Colo, the Mod Team decided to create a list of veterinarians around the world who see birds. This was something we had discussed a few years ago, but the task seemed so large that we didn't get very far. However, the need is there and we decided that the time...

www.parrotforums.com

Wishing you all the very best of luck with her and please let us know how you get on 🙏 🙏 🙏

 

[HeatherG]

Looking at a closeup I do notice nasal discharge. That and the poor self grooming and the puffiness/ eyes closed make me more concerned. I would have this bird checked out if at all possible. She should not be sleeping all the time and definitely shouldn’t be silent.

I’d be worried if this were my bird.

 

[Terry57]

Not much I can add that hasn't been said, but I also hope you can find a vet to bring your bird to see, these symptoms are very worrisome.
I hope she will be okay.

 

[ShanCaz]

I would definitely take her to an avian vet. Not only is it just good to take them if they’re a new bird, but they’ll be better at observing any illnesses than us and be able to notice things that we can’t since they’re seeing her in person.

If she’s puffed up occasionally and grinding her beak before bed that usually just means she’s content. If it’s constant, then that is usually a bad sign. Thy means she is having trouble regulating her body temperature or hiding a possible illness. Birds will hide signs of weakness for a while unfortunately so it’s best to get them to a vet as soon as you notice something.

If she isn’t singing or preening for a (her tail feathers look rough and it doesn’t sound like she’s just playing too hard if she’s sleeping alot) than that’s another sign of illness. Birds are very particular about their appearances and feathers. If they neglect it, that is a bad sign that they are too lethargic to care for themselves properly. Singing is also a way to observe health. If she’s too tired to chirp or sing, that isn’t good.


Overall, please take her to an avian vet and keep an eye on her symptoms so you can tell the vet. Birds will hide illnesses until it’s too late so just take her ASAP. Sorry if my wording is scary, but it’s much better to be safer than sorry

As for the poop… if you could tell us what she is eating that would be helpful.