My baby cockatiel isn't growing and seems weak. What's wrong?

If the problem keeps returning even with adjustments to his feeding schedule, it could indicate an underlying issues such as an illness, physical or genetic deformity, or some other cause of failing to thrive. It would be best to have him examined by a local avian vet to rule out any serious issues that could be causing his problem and to help monitor his growth as he is being raised.

I'm sorry to hear Coko isn't feeling well. If he's acting ill and isn't wanting to eat or drink in addition to losing feathers, it is best to seek veterinary care ASAP. There are many possible causes for his symptoms including illness, infections, parasites, malnutrition, etc, and a complete exam in person is needed to help determine the cause. In the meantime, keeping him warm in a hospital cage separated from other birds, and continuing to give him food and water may help, but a vet visit is best.

It is common for young birds to lose their feeding response as they become weak, and this may be what is happening with Toni. It is more energy taxing to move the neck/head than it is to chirp. The line that you are seeing is part of the organs in the belly. If you look closely, you can see a number of organs. This is because their skin is so thin that you can see through it. I would recommend having Toni evaluated by a veterinarian. They can perform an examination on Toni to ensure there are no obvious abnormalities, and may provide some supportive care for him. Additionally, I am not sure what you are formula you are feeding, how much, and how often - these are all important items as we need to make sure Toni is getting enough calories to grow and thrive. Your veterinarian can help to guide you with these items based on the cockatiel's weight. The crop is small in the pictures that you sent, but I am not sure how long ago you had fed before taking the picture so this may be appropriate. Please ensure that Toni is being kept warm as well - ideally he would have an area that is 90-100F. Monitor the area with a digital thermometer to ensure it is not getting too hot or too cold. Without proper temperatures, Toni won't be able to digest his food well. I hope this gives you a place to start, and good luck!

Ideally, Pedro should be physically examined by a veterinarian. If an avian vet is not available, see the local veterinarian. He or she can contact an avian specialist by phone or online. Place him in his own cage or remove the chicken chicks. It isn't recommended to keep these two species caged together. Offer a mash made with warm water and a handfeeding formula to get him eating. Unflavored PediaLyte can be given via dropper if he will accept it. Keep him warm and as stress free as possible until he sees the doctor.

Baby birds can sleep a lot, however if you are concerned, you're not sure about her eating and drinking habits, or she is showing other signs of illness such as not being interested in activity, not gaining weight/growing at a normal pace, etc, then scheduling a vet visit would be best to rule out any health issues. It would be hard to say if anything is wrong without an examination in person.

Thanks for reaching out about your cockatiel. Lethargy and weakness are only general signs of illness. Possibilities range from metabolic problems (kidney, liver), infections, nutritional deficiencies, inhaled or ingested toxins, and more. A veterinary visit is needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. This sounds serious and should be dealt with today. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about your cockatiel. Fragile feathers could be an indication of a poor diet but also some other more serious diseases. If he is that weak, a veterinarian should be visited. Providing heat support in the 85-90 degrees could help stimulate the immune system but does not replace a veterinary visit. Good luck.