View Full Version : Cockatiels
newbirdie
01-04-2007, 05:02 PM
Hi.
I recieved as a Christmas gift two cockatiels...3 days ago I noticed that one of them is always fluffed up, and appears to have less energy. His nostrils seem to be clogged....I took him to the vet, he gave him a vitamin shot and some antibiotic...the thing is that I have to give him this medicine for 2 weeks. The birds don't know me, they've been with me for only 10 days, what can I do to make it easier for me and the bird when it comes time to give him medicine? (since he is scared of me)
Swooping a light (though preferrably mildly thick) towel over them and wrapping them up is a good way to hold them so you won't get a nasty nip. Always be sure not to press on their chest in any way or they won't be able to breathe. Having someone help you to hold their head is a big help, too. A thumb and forefinger applied with gentle pressure on both sides of the head can keep them from struggling away from the medicine dropper or trying to bite you. Also make sure you keep her held in a normal sitting position, and always aim to the right side of her throat (your left when looking at her face to face). The right side is her crop, and the left is her windpipe, you don't want any medicine to get into her lungs. And do a little drop at a time, giving her plenty of time to breathe in between. The less time spent that way the less stress for her.
I hope all goes well and she gets better. Be sure to keep her as warm as possible, and far away from the other bird (respiratory infections are extremely contagious) as possible, preferrably in a completely different room. And wash your hands very well in between handling her and the other cockatiel.
newbirdie
01-05-2007, 07:53 PM
oh no! they are in the same cage! the vet said nothing to me so I assumed it was ok.....(I'm going to an avian vet next time!)...the thing is that I don't have another cage. What recomendations do you have? Is it too late for my other bird (is he sick also???)
thanks for the help!
newbirdie*
A small isolation cage (no toys, just 2 different sized comfty perches and enough room to flap their wings safetly is fine, don't change food during this period, but keep plenty in at all times) placed in a draft free warm room is fine for the sick bird. You can buy low dose antibiotics from a lot of pet stores that you can put in the other birds drinking water as a precaution, they tend to be used for about 7 days, if no signs of illness are noticed after that period its usually safe to discontinue it. To treat an illness 14 days is generally the recommended treatment period. Just keep a close eye on the other bird and I'd sanitize the cage thoroughly, too.