Cockatiel not eating....?

Question

I just brought my female tiel home yesterday, however she has not yet touched her food.....she was eating millet spray on the car ride home yesterday....but since she's been in her cage in my room (been 24 hrs) she isn't eating....is this normal? I know she is stressed out and everything....but when can I expect her to begin eating?

Answer 1

yes it is normal, she is stressed she will settle in and begin to eat around 3-5days. Keep feeding millet its great when they are stressed out. Its a treat they are sure to eat. Make sure she is drinking water and moniter her p**p. If she hasnt touched her food for a week then take her to a vet,  

Answer 2

No, this is not normal.  Will she even eat millet?

Very young birds that haven't been weaned too long sometimes "revert" in their new homes.  Going to a new home is a scary change for a baby.  Sometimes in the stress, these newly weaned birds basically forget that they're supposed to be eating on their own and "revert" to wanting hand feedings again.  They simply have "forgotten" HOW to eat on their own.  Unless you are experienced in hand feeding, I would suggest calling the breeder or store where you purchased your cockatiel and explaining what is happening.  A good breeder or store will ask you to bring the bird back in and will start the weaning process over again.  Then they'll let you know when the bird is safely eating on her own again so you can pick her up.

If your bird will eat millet, give her plenty.  Millet is often one of the first foods that a baby is weaned to and it's "comfort food" to them.  If she'll eat millet, make sure she has plenty and just keep an eye on her.  She should transition over to her regular foods as she settles in.  But please make sure she is either eating millet or is taken back to the breeder or store for further hand feeding and re-weaning.

Good luck with your girl!  My first cockatiel reverted and I could have starved him to death.  Fortunately I got help in time and my little guy is still here today, eleven years later :-)

Colette

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Parro...

Answer 3

Birds stress easy.  GIve your bird a variety of things to chose from.  Some fruit, well washed... apples, grapes, melon, or veggies.. green beans, cauliflower, peas.  Or try peanut butter, it is high in fat.  Do not give huge quanities cause the bird won't eat that much.  Be sure that it has fresh water at all times.