[Laura]

I thought I would put together a list of symptoms to look out for, Cockatiels in the wild that are ill are sure to be prey so they are very good at hiding there illnesses, I always say you should go with your first instinct if you suspect something isn't quite right it usually is and you should seek out an avian vet for help.

1. Inactivity or loss of interest, any change in normal activity

2. Loss of appetite

3. Change in colour or consistency of droppings not associated with
foods you have added to there diet for example fruits and
vegetable can make the droppings watery

4. Feathers fluffed up for most of the day

5. Sitting in the corner or on the bottom of the cage with eyes closed

6. Constant shivering or labored breathing

7. Discharge from the nose or eyes

8. Sudden lose of feathers not associated with normal molting

9. Weight loss

10. Vomiting

11. Feather plucking

12. Lumps or any swelling on the body

13. Disorientation or falling of perch

These are just some of the things to look out for, this is just a basic guide anything that seems abnormal should be looked into.

 

[Kikode]

I wanted to add that I bought a Animal Planet Book about Cockatiels from animal planet it's a great book with lots of info and pictures. Here's a link

http://www.amazon.com/Cockatiels-Animal-Planet-Care-Library/dp/0793837669

so you can see the book it cost the same online as it did at the Pet Smart store so u can save money on shipping. I can summarize the info on pet sickness signs if anyone could make use of it? Anyway I feel real sorry for anyone that has a sick bird I wish it wasn't so hard to tell the signs of a sick bird though cause it makes me get paranoid easily.

 

[MeanneyFids]

its not just the looseness you need to look for. its also colour of all the parts and other things.

scroll down a bit and you can see some photos
http://talkcockatiels.com/showthread.php?t=10100&page=3

 

[enigma731]

I notice that discharge from the nose or eyes is listed as a sign of illness. My cockatiel has never had any discharge from the eyes, but she does sneeze sometimes and let's out some from the nose. Also, when she scratches her nose with the nails. But she's always done this, perhaps since we got her.

I'm questioning because the vet I talked to a few days ago thought this kind of weird. Is it normal for her to be doing this?

It can be normal for a bird to have a very fine, clear, mist-like discharge when they sneeze. What is unusual is if it is thick or colored, or if it collects in/around the nares other than when the bird is sneezing. Chances are if it's been going on for a while and hasn't been a problem, it's just normal for your bird.

Here's a thread from another forum with some useful info: http://forums.avianavenue.com/healthy-highway/60822-sneezing-nasal-discharge-birds.html

 

[xoxsarahxox]

If you have any questions or concerns related to this thread please start your own thread. Thank you.