5mo Tiels dropping blood feathers

[msmelissa]

I have 2 cockatiels who are 5 months old. I have noticed first, that they seem to drop feathers constantly as if in a continual molt, and second I am concerned because they are dropping blood feathers from both tail and wings. However, both birds look very healthy and full feathered...except for their tails and wings, which are shabby and not full. Is this a baby thing, or probably not?

Also, they both have new feathers coming in all the time too, I'm not worried about their bodies, just the wings and tails.

[Sivin]

Hi Melissa,

I'm not a vet but have two cockatiels now and have had cockatiels for several years. It sounds to me that your birds are experienced nightfrights in which they thrash around the cage knocking out feathers. I am also wondering whether you might have a dog or a cat wandering around that's frightening them by its very appearance.

My year old cockatiel exhibited this behavior for his first few months with us. His tail feathers were an absolute mess and our curious pup's poking around his cage didn't help matters any, either.

We reorganized his cage a little bit and placed his food dishes up higher. That helped a lot. We also made a concerted effort to keep the dog away from his cage -- even though he was always locked in when she was out. You might also try leaving a night light on. One other thought: could the lights of passing cars be disturbing the birds?

Please make sure you know how to properly remove a bloodfeather if you need do. Instructions are online or have your vet show you.

Sivin

[msmelissa]

Thanks for responding, your suggestions are great...however, they already have a nightlight, their night cage is 4.5 feet off the floor in its own aviary and our dogs are crated at night in another area of the house! None of my budgies or my cockatoo have any anxieties in this very serene area. These are the reasons that I am stumped as to their feather woes.
Help!

[Sivin]

Hmmm...

No chance of any headlights coming through the windows? Might they be frightening each other -- perhaps one has frights and the other gets startled.

Wish I could say more!

[Sheila]

When I took Yellow Rose ('tiel) in for a new bird check up, the avian vet gave me a sheet about thrashing. He said 'tiels are bad about thrashing. When I find this sheet (you should see my room!) I'll try to attach it. You might go online and read about 'tiel thrashing. I do have two nightlights on, in the bird room, but I had been covering their cage too. I no longer cover their cage. If you cover their cage, do it only 3/4 around, so that they can see out. Good luck.