Hello

[Jan1822]

Hi, my name is Jan
I am a new cockatiel owner and looking for advice and tips to help me along the way of raising my new baby.
About two weeks ago I purchased a beautiful Lutino cockatiel ages 13 weeks. Unfortunately around day 7 he/she became very quiet and stopped singing Fluffed up his feathers and slept all day. I was a little worried and messaged the breeder to ask for any advice. Was told to keep him warm and if still the same the next day seek advice from an avian vet. He was still the same the next day so I made an appointment with the vet. Sadly he passed away before I could take him.
The breeder gave me a new cockatiel on Friday but yesterday he started to go very quiet as well and was all fluffed up.
I immediately got him in to the vet and they have taken a poo sample to test and given him antibiotics, probiotics powder for his food and vitamins for his water. Luckily today he did seem a little brighter and is eating and drinking fine.
I’m just worried that I could be doing something wrong for both cockatiels to get poorly after a few days of owning them. Any advice is much appreciate. Thank you.

 

[Mantis64]

Have you used teflon, candles, selfcleaning ovens, sprays, airfreshern or anything similar like this. The fact that it happened to both makes me think it's likely something like this.

 

[Mantis64]

Most deadly hazards for pet birds

Identifies and discusses solutions to the major dangers in the home and the cause of death for pet birds

globalcrisis.info

This is important to read for first time bird owners

 

[Zara]

Welcome to the Avenue Janet

I´m sorry to hear of your birds passing. Sounds like they were both ill when you got them, or there is something happening in your home.

Have you informed the breeder that the second bird is also ill?

 

[Jan1822]

Have you used teflon, candles, selfcleaning ovens, sprays, airfreshern or anything similar like this. The fact that it happened to both makes me think it's likely something like this.

No, I haven’t used any of those as I’d done some research before I got the birds (read a few books on cockatiels.) I Was aware beforehand what things can be toxic for cockatiels.

 

[Mantis64]

No, I haven’t used any of those as I’d done some research before I got the birds (read a few books on cockatiels.) I Was aware beforehand what things can be toxic for cockatiels.

What have you been feeding them. If it's not that then it's likely something from the breeder did the vet say they had an infection or not.

 

[Jan1822]

Welcome to the Avenue Janet

I´m sorry to hear of your birds passing. Sounds like they were both ill when you got them, or there is something happening in your home.

Have you informed the breeder that the second bird is also ill?

No I haven’t told them yet that the second bird got ill. He does seem to be improving slowly. I wanted to wait to get the results from the vets from his poo sample first in case it’s something I’m doing wrong.

 

[Jan1822]

What have you been feeding them.

It’s cockatiel mix from the local pet store and also zupreem pellets.

 

[Mantis64]

It’s cockatiel mix from the local pet store and also zupreem pellets.

Then it's likely something they are picking up from the breeder

 

[Jan1822]

Most deadly hazards for pet birds

Identifies and discusses solutions to the major dangers in the home and the cause of death for pet birds

globalcrisis.info

This is important to read for first time bird owners

Thanks for that. Definitely a lot of things that can be harmful for birds.

 

[Mantis64]

Thanks for that. Definitely a lot of things that can be harmful for birds.

No problem

 

[BirdWorld]

It is very possible that the birds were already sick when you got them, or that one bird was sick and the other caught the sickness. I’m sorry about the first bird, you hardly had him for a week. Either way, you did the right thingby going straight to the vet. (And here!)

 

[Ripshod]

It’s cockatiel mix from the local pet store

Is it a sealed branded mix or one they mix themselves?

 

[Jan1822]

Is it a sealed branded mix or one they mix themselves?

It’s one they have mixed themselves

 

[Ripshod]

While I don't like implying that a pet shop's mix is a problem this is just one thing that links both your birds. Other links include the cage(?) toys(?) and even the water.
I'd take the time to research some quality mixes online - Hagen, Goldenfeast, Zupreem and Harrison's to name just a few - while looking at and remedying anything else.
I'm not saying that your pet store is doing anything wrong, just that a quality mix needs quality ingredients and a pet store can't guarantee either.

 

[expressmailtome]

Welcome, and enjoy the site!

 

[Jan1822]

While I don't like implying that a pet shop's mix is a problem this is just one thing that links both your birds. Other links include the cage(?) toys(?) and even the water.
I'd take the time to research some quality mixes online - Hagen, Goldenfeast, Zupreem and Harrison's to name just a few - while looking at and remedying anything else.
I'm not saying that your pet store is doing anything wrong, just that a quality mix needs quality ingredients and a pet store can't guarantee either.

The cage is a different one to what the first bird died in. Could be the food. I have given the cockatiel different food now. However he is still very quiet and sleeps all day. Sometimes he looks as though he has a little shiver from time to time. The cage isn’t near any drafts and I’ve added a heat lamp just to make doubly sure he isn’t cold.
It’s really baffling me what is wrong. Hopefully the antibiotics will kick in soon and perk him up But thanks for your advice

 

[AutumnRain]

I am so sorry for your loss, Jan.
I hope you find answers here about what may have happened. It looks like you've gotten a lot of good feedback already. I can't think of anything to add to it, but I did want to welcome you to the site. It's a wonderful place to be, and a wealth of information to help you care for your bird.

 

[greys4u]

Hi Jan, I would still call the breeder and let him know what is going on and that you are waiting for the stool sample. Will be in touch. If he offers another bird, don't take it.

 

[Jan1822]

I am so sorry for your loss, Jan.
I hope you find answers here about what may have happened. It looks like you've gotten a lot of good feedback already. I can't think of anything to add to it, but I did want to welcome you to the site. It's a wonderful place to be, and a wealth of information to help you care for your bird.

Thank you so much