2 questions about my cockatiel's health...?

Question

1) Is it possible for cockatiels to get fleas? He picks at himself a lot and it's just a worry of mine.

2) Also, it looks like one of his tail feathers must have gotten bent or picked at because he has blood in that area. My husband got a close look and said that's where it is coming from. From what we can see, the bleeding has stopped, but neither of us know what to do.

Please help me. My bird is brand new and I'm a little scared. Thank you!

Answer 1

he probably can get fleas, but when they pick they are cleaning themselves. mine do it all the time. and it is very easy for them to break what they call "blood feathers" and they can bleed to death if they break a major one. but if the bleeding has stopped then thats a good thing and you cant do anything about it.

Answer 2

I have raised 3 clutches of babies for over 20 years. They are preening themselves ad no they don't get fleas but they can get mites, you should get a bird  protector and hang it on the outside of the cage that will keep that problem  away.Give him a little room temperature water spritz ever other day it helps them keep clean and keeps the bird dander down a bit and they love it. Ours even get into the shower with us and sometimes i put a small towel in the sink and let a tempid  trickle of water run and they love to splash and play in it kind of messy LOL but good for them.On occasion they doe break a feather nothing to worry about unless it doesn't stop bleeding.handle him every day to keep him happy and tame and talk to him my birds were talking at 12 weeks of age. this sight can be helpful.have fun enjoy your baby my oldest one lived to be 17 years old.