Common Illnesses in Cockatiels: Identification & Care

Cockatiels are lively, expressive birds whose change in behaviour often signals health issues. As natural prey, they instinctively hide illnesses, making it crucial to be familiar with common health problems and spot abnormal signs early on.

Avian Polyoma: Risks and Prevention

Also known as Budgerigar Fledgling Disease, Avian Polyoma affects young cockatiels and several other bird species. It can cause rapid and often fatal illness in birds as young as seven weeks old. Signs to watch for include bruise-like haemorrhages under the skin, swollen abdomen, tremors, and impaired movement stability.

As the condition worsens, affected birds may show depression, lack of appetite, delayed crop emptying, diarrhoea, dehydration, and paralysis. The disease can progress to death within 12 to 48 hours after symptoms appear.

Transmission occurs through feeding by parents, feather dust, and droppings. Vaccination is key: young birds should receive their first vaccine at 40 days old, followed by a booster two weeks later. Annual boosters and vaccination of breeding birds before the breeding season are also advised to reduce risk.

Psittacosis in Cockatiels: Awareness and Care

Psittacosis, or parrot fever, is a bacterial infection that can affect birds and humans. Cockatiels are particularly susceptible. Symptoms vary with severity; mild strains may show no signs, while acute cases manifest as laboured breathing, eye discharge or swelling, lethargy, ruffled feathers, and diarrhoea.

Chronic infections may produce tremors, convulsions, unusual head movements, and leg paralysis. The disease spreads via droppings and nasal discharges, accessible to inhalation or contact.

Treatment involves antibiotics, during which it is important to remove calcium sources from the environment to improve medication effectiveness. Birds suspected of having psittacosis should be quarantined and handled with care to prevent spreading to other birds or humans. Thorough cleaning and removal of feather dust from the enclosure are essential.

Reproductive Health Issues

Chronic egg laying is a common reproductive problem in female cockatiels. Constant laying, even of infertile eggs, drains calcium and energy reserves, potentially leading to serious conditions such as hypocalcaemia and egg binding, where the bird struggles to pass an egg. This can cause seizures, fragile bones, and can be fatal without treatment.

Since egg laying is a natural instinct, stopping it completely is impossible. However, certain measures help moderate the frequency, including:

• Avoid removing eggs to allow incubation and natural rest periods for the bird’s body recovery.
• Restrict breeding triggers like nest boxes, nesting materials, and reduce day length by lowering light exposure.

Ensure the bird’s diet is rich in calcium with foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, broccoli, dandelion, and plain yoghurt. Additionally, provide supplemental sources like oyster shell, cuttlefish bone, and mineral blocks to maintain healthy calcium levels.

Dietary Concerns: Vitamin and Mineral Balance

Besides calcium deficiency, cockatiels commonly suffer from vitamin A deficiency, especially those fed predominantly on seed diets. Seeds are high in fat but lack vital vitamins and minerals. To prevent nutritional imbalances, it is essential to supplement their diet with plenty of fresh green leafy vegetables and colourful fruits, particularly orange and red varieties rich in beta-carotene.

Sprouted seeds offer a healthier alternative by using up the fat reserves, leaving a nutrient-rich seed for the bird.

Observation and Veterinary Care

Despite diligent care, illness can occur unnoticed due to cockatiels’ tendency to mask symptoms. Early detection relies on careful observation for changes in behaviour, appearance, or physical condition. Signs such as fluffed feathers, decreased vocalisation, weight loss, altered droppings, vomiting, or reluctance to perch should prompt immediate consultation with an avian specialist vet.

Cockatiels benefit from regular health checks to catch and manage diseases early. Vaccine schedules, proper diet, and a clean environment are vital components of responsible ownership that contribute to a long, healthy life for your feathered companion.