Video New Cockatiel question

[Woodsie]

Hi

I used to keep Cockatiels many l, many years ago and now my kids have taken an interest I'm excited to get back into it.

I arranged to buy two birds from someone local who advised that they were her daughters and weren't being given enough attention.

I was to pick them up on Sunday and on that morning I was told the female had died suddenly.

They assured me that she had been fine with no signs of illness. I still bought the male and I am not sure they have been well looked after.

His claws are very long and tail feathers are very dirty.

He was quiet yesterday but there were periods when he was very active. I put the quiet periods down to him pining for his cage mate.

I got another female yesterday (separate cages) and the male today is very quiet again, puffed up and sleepy - see video link.

Am I being completely paranoid thinking something is wrong. He's gone through a lot in a couple days, loss his companion, changed owner etc, etc, so I don't want to do a vets visit on top and have him pulled at.

Would you be concerned based on this video - 20200818_114522.mp4?

 

[Zara]

Welcome to the Avenue Darren

I hope the new bird is in a different room.
It´s hard to say off that video if your bird is sick. But it is important to get him checked out at the vet, you said yourself the prev. owners don´t appear to have cared for him propperly, coupled with the passing of his mate.
As you have a second bird, you will need to take her too, but on separate days. Be sure to receive the results before introducing them.

This male ´Tiel has had a lot of very big changes. Lost his mate, new home, and now he can hear a new bird. I´m sure he just needs some time to settle. It´s likely quite overwhelming.

 

[Zara]

He's gone through a lot in a couple days, loss his companion, changed owner etc, etc, so I don't want to do a vets visit on top and have him pulled at.

Yes exactly. As for the vet, I would do it now and have done with it. The alternative is he settles in well then you take him to the vet and potentially distrupt the settling in. Best to just rip off the band aid

 

[Conure101]

This male ´Tiel has had a lot of very big changes. Lost his mate, new home, and now he can hear a new bird. I´m sure he just needs some time to settle. It´s likely quite overwhelming.

He has gone through a lot of stress. My cockatiel slept for awhile he first day or so. Just give him some time to adjust

As for the vet, I would do it now and have done with it. The alternative is he settles in well then you take him to the vet and potentially distrupt the settling in. Best to just rip off the band aid

Agreed

 

[sunnysmom]

Welcome to the forum. He's a cutie. I would take him to the vet now- especially since you don't know what the female died from. How do his droppings look?

 

[Tiel Feathers]

I think you should take him to a good vet too. Even for all the big changes he has gone through, he doesn’t seem quite right to me. More sleepy than just scared and adjusting. I’m not sure of course, and I hope he’s fine and just adjusting. Is he mostly this sleepy, or just part of the day? Is he eating okay?

 

[Woodsie]

I think you should take him to a good vet too. Even for all the big changes he has gone through, he doesn’t seem quite right to me. More sleepy than just scared and adjusting. I’m not sure of course, and I hope he’s fine and just adjusting. Is he mostly this sleepy, or just part of the day? Is he eating okay?

There a very few droppings in his cage in comparison with the new bird. Both have individually finished off a stick of millet seed, but not touched the seed in their dishes.

I have asked for an appointment but he has livened a little, with a very brief song so I am less concerned than I was earlier.

Will still get him checked over though.

Cheers for the responses everyone

 

[iamwhoiam]

Always a good idea to get any new birds checked out by a vet whether they are acting "off" or seem to be OK.
They are probably not eating much because they are stressed and scared. New people, new surroundings.
Hope all will be well.

 

[Woodsie]

For anyone interested, wasn't able to get a vets appointment until 28th August as the only vet specialising in Birds is on annual leave - which isn't massively impressive.

That said, he's really perked up the last couple of days. Loves his sanded perch and adores lettuce!

He's treated us to a bit of singing today too: 20200820_102852.mp4

I'm still going to get him checked but I'm happy the poor guy was probably just stressed.

 

[Tiel Feathers]

What a cutie!

 

[Monica]

It's great that he's feeling better! Vet check will insure he's healthy!


I would recommend removing that sand perch though... it's too big for his feet (it's good to have different sized perches, but not this... not with sand). There are better perch options out there if you really want a "sandy" perch. One is made with two smooth sides so their feet sit on the smooth side but nails hit the rough part. This reduces the chances of cuts and abrasions on the bottom of their feet.

 

[iamwhoiam]

Great that he is doing better.

 

[Skum]

For anyone interested, wasn't able to get a vets appointment until 28th August as the only vet specialising in Birds is on annual leave - which isn't massively impressive.

That said, he's really perked up the last couple of days. Loves his sanded perch and adores lettuce!

He's treated us to a bit of singing today too: 20200820_102852.mp4

I'm still going to get him checked but I'm happy the poor guy was probably just stressed.

Adorable!