Fluffed up tiel

[fangirl]

I've read that a fluffed up cockatiel could either mean they're happy or that they're ill. My cockatiel is fluffing up her feathers more than she used to, but in all other aspects she's thriving (healthy appetite, loves veggies, plays with her toys, very vocal for a female-- she can even whistle a few notes!). Should I be worried? She had more energy when she was a juvenile but she's almost six years old now, so maybe she's just calmer as an adult?

 

[Mimsy01]

I'm not an expert, but imo birds high illnesses really well. She is very likely just getting older, but the only way to know is to bring her in and maybe run some blood tests. If she hasn't been into see a vet in awhile it might be time for a check up. If you have a scale at home regular checks on weight can help too so you notice any changes, which can be hard to tell by just looking.

 

[SailBoat]

I fully agree if you have not been to the Avian Vet in awhile, a visit is warranted.

Is it possible that you have moved your birds cage recently, maybe over your heating/cooling vent? Worth checking.

 

[fangirl]

I was worried that the vet would be the answer... I've been trying to get my dad to let me take her to an avian vet for a long time. He doesn't seem to get the concept of birds hiding their illnesses. I even insisted to pay myself but he still says no, telling me it's a waste of money. (I'm 20, I attend college classes and I live w/ my parents)

I've been checking her droppings and they look normal, and the thermostat is set at 76. Her feet are a little dry and scaly, which is what I wanted to take her to the vet for originally, but they've gotten a little better since I started misting her with warm water a couple times a week. I want to take her to an Avian vet (there's one 30 mins from where I live) but no luck convincing my dad so far. ):

 

[jasper19]

If you are 20, you are an adult. If you have the money yourself, then why not just take the bird?

If you don't have the money and are relying on your dad to pay, then he can say no. If you have the money, then he can't say no.

Time to get some independence.

 

[ToMang07]

If you are 20, you are an adult. If you have the money yourself, then why not just take the bird?

If you don't have the money and are relying on your dad to pay, then he can say no. If you have the money, then he can't say no.

Time to get some independence.

If it's the father's bird, it's the father's decision.

 

[fangirl]

I don't have a car. My dad does, and he doesn't let me drive it much.

I don't think my tiel would appreciate being on a city bus with me to take her to the vet. But I guess it might come down to that. :/

 

[jasper19]

If you are 20, you are an adult. If you have the money yourself, then why not just take the bird?

If you don't have the money and are relying on your dad to pay, then he can say no. If you have the money, then he can't say no.

Time to get some independence.

If it's the father's bird, it's the father's decision.

In her post she said "My Cockatiel"....so i think i was safe to assume the bird is hers.

And i wasn't meaning to be harsh, i personally know a few people that it has been hard for them to break from the train of thought they need their parents permission to do anything.

Even if you are living with them still after you are an adult, that doesn't give them control of your life. I am sure you didn't agree to have them control every action you take as a requirement to living with them.

Its kind of just a way of thinking. Always being under your parents control, then one day, POOF you are an adult!...now what?

 

[jasper19]

I don't have a car. My dad does, and he doesn't let me drive it much.

I don't think my tiel would appreciate being on a city bus with me to take her to the vet. But I guess it might come down to that. :/

Ya i can see getting a ride may be the difficult part of the situation. Know any friends with a vehicle you could throw some gas money that might help you out?

Anyways, i wish you luck and i hope your bird is healthy, i bet she will be just fine!~

 

[fangirl]

I'll ask my friends who have cars and see if someone can give me a ride. That would be the best way to go.

 

[jasper19]

I'll ask my friends who have cars and see if someone can give me a ride. That would be the best way to go.

Awesome, let us know what the vet says. Goodluck!