How common is bird stress?

[bluegypsy]

Hi,
I posted about my cockatiel, Dodger a couple weeks ago regarding his feather plucking and received good advice. I was reading through some of the other threads here regarding other birds, and some things sounded similar. Just how common is stress in cockatiels, and how can you really be sure it's that, and not something more serious? Dodger is not displaying any symptoms of illness, and he's not overly chirpy. He's friendly, wants to be around someone most of the time, and eats very well. But he plucks his feathers, the small ones, and seems agitated, especially near my other kids. I want to leave him in his cage to find some peace and calmness, but I can't seem to help the chaos that comes from a house with three teenagers and all that implies! Is there anything I could do to make this situation less stressful for both me and Dodger? Thanks again!

[Amanda]

Have you taken Dodger to see an avian vet? Sometimes birds pluck their feathers due to an underlying cause (such as bacterial infection, fungus, etc.). Please take Dodger to see a vet first and once he gets a clean bill of health, then you'll be certain that it's behavioral.

[crazeemama]

i agree with Amanda on the vet check. It is good to know that you are starting with no underlying ailment.
Does your Cockatiel shower or bath 3-4 times week? A good diet is a must too. there is alot of good discussion on this board regarding nutrition.
It is estimated that 70% of pet birds have vitamin a deficiencies and are starting to name that as a factor.
Try to keep her busy with paper shredding,toys,etc. Is she in the 'flight path' (high traffic area)? perhaps moving her cage so she isn't constantly having people running by her cage, my birds seem to find 'light classical'music relaxing. they are more quiet etc. when it is playing. When i am going to be gone, i leave it playing.
If she is a cuddler perhaps try to cuddle as much as you can in the evening.
Stress can be caused by illness or environmental. I think it is more common than we think. Just try to pay attention to any changes,etc and see what helps.
Good luck - let us know how the progress is.

[crazeemama]

oops! my apologies to Dexter for using the feminine pronoun.

[Mrs.Birdy]

Yes, as crazeemama mentioned, keeping your bird out of the path of all household activity (craziness) is a good idea. Let him be near the family activity but in a more sheltered manner.

My birds are in a bird room off of our kitchen. They witness all our familes comings and goings, meals, etc. from there, but have their own feeling of security or "safe haven" in their own room. There is also a window for my birds to look out of there and they see the peacefulness of our backyard. Perhaps you can keep your tiel's cage against one wall, I have heard that this is good for a stressing bird.

When your Dodger gets overly stressed, don't hesitate covering him for a while so he can calm down.

Tiels are known to be great "stressers". When my tiel needs a little "time out", I cover her for a while (maybe 15-20 minutes) and once uncovered, she is a new, refreshed bird.

The advice on giving her plenty of paper to shred, etc, is excellent because this is how they release their energy. Playing music a few times a day is also good. I do this first thing in the a.m. and now my birds expect to hear it and love it.

Keep in mind that all birds need at least 10-12 hours of sleep per night. When Dodger is showing more stress than usual, cover him earlier in the evening for the night and make sure he gets enough sleep for good health.

I know this is a long post, but I hope it helps.
:)

[crazeemama]

hmmm.... Dexter...... Dodger please apologize to Dodger for me for calling him the wrong name. i think i have permanently moved to the STATE OF CONFUSION! LOL

[Mrs.Birdy]

Don't worry Crazeemama....

We know you well enough now to understand who you're talking about...lol.

We all have those lapses now and then......hehehe.

Glad you're with us...I learn so many useful things from you.

[bluegypsy]

Dexter, Dodger, whatever, I'm just so glad to have you guys for support! Thanks with all my heart!

[Redstorm1721]

I was thinking bluegypsy,
Do you actually see doger pulling his feathers? or have you been seeing them on the floor and bottom of cage? If you have just been seeing them on the floor and bottom of cage, then its molting time, and it is something that happens each year,so they can rid of their winter feathers to be not so hot! Gail

[bluegypsy]

Yeah, I thought of that too, but wasn't sure if it was 'time' yet. It's late June, and getting hot, so maybe that's what it is. I'll keep an eye on him, and thanks again!

[parrotboy]

Birds are very prone to stress!!!!! my ringneck loves the craziness of family life & household activity!! he sleeps in the afternoon while we are at work and school then when we get home he comes out and just sits on shoulder do anything he wants !! but most of the time he follows me!! he luves activities in the house parties etc cause of all the attention he gets because when people see him they go "WOW" "a parrot does he talk !" and then they just talk to him the whole time !! lol

He luves music and watching people come in and out the house watching tv talkin to anything!! its so kewl having a tame bird !! they are so funny and kool!!