How do I know if my cockatiel is elderly?

[lisascannell]

I don't know how old my cockatiel Lucy is, but I have always had a gut instinct that she is ederly. Are there any physical signs that could indicate whether my bird is geriatric?
Thanks.

 

[TessieB]

Many of my very, very old cockatiels (25) had stiff toes and had a difficult time grooming the tail feathers.

 

[jls]

Ya. my tiel spends less time grooming and more time sleeping ... He can fall asleep in the middle of eating ... BTW ... older tiels have a hard time eating hard food/seeds

 

[MonicaMc]

Eyes could get cataracts and their health starts to fade... usually more prone to infections and liver and kidney problems.

I have one cockatiel that I know is older than 16 years old, but I don't know how old he truly is. For all I know, he could be in his twenties or older! So far, he hasn't been showing any signs of elderly age!


Unlike my bourke hen... she's 17-19 years old and she has definitely slowed down! Not quite as active as she used to be in her younger days (half wondering if getting another bourke might perk her up some?), is more prone to getting sick, has lost weight and she's also feistier!