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My cockatiel's poop is black. Is it serious? What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Cockatiel | Male

My cockatiels poo is black. What does it mean and what should i do?

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on February 10th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about Bobby. Dark feces is often an indication of decreased appetite or bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Could also be ate something like blueberries that are dark.
If it persists, a veterinary visit is recommended.
Good luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Todd Cecil
Veterinarian
Published on December 4th, 2019
Thanks for reaching out about Kody and including a photo. This could be an indication of a gastrointestinal upset, infection, metabolic disorder and other causes. Since remains alert, monitor for now, but if the stool change continues, a veterinary visit is recommended. Birds are great at hiding their true condition, so if the stool change persists, be proactive.
Good luck.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Todd Cecil
Veterinarian
Published on August 20th, 2019
Thanks for reaching out about Luna and including photos. Suspected blood in the feces needs to be assessed by a veterinarian, as soon as possible. Blood in the feces could be an ingested foreign body, infection, cloacal polyps, just to list a few. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some comfort.
Good luck.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on August 16th, 2017
That usually could be dependent to the diet but these signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver) as well. to differentiate the two a clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential. Antibiotics may be needed.
Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Health & Wellness

My cockatiel laid eggs, now she's unwell and has black poop.

Palpate her abdomen as she could be egg bound. Provide a warm environment in the 80-85 F range. Very dark green feces is usually anorexia but black feces is melena (digested blood) and needs veterinary attention. A dog/cat vet might be you're only choice. Try offering water and food through a syringe but make sure to do it slow to prevent aspiration. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my budgie's poop black and sticky? Is it a health concern?

Thank you for your question about Blue. I am glad that you asked, as no, this is not a normal color or consistency for budgie feces to have. I didn't see how old Blue was, or if she was on any medications, but I would recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian. Dark, tarry stool like what you are describing may be due to digested blood. This can be secondary to some medications, certain toxins if she has gotten into something, or can be due to certain diseases of the intestinal tract. Your veterinarian can gather a detailed history from you which may reveal the cause, and will perform a thorough examination. From there, they may have recommendations for diagnostic testing. If possible, bring pictures, or even better a sample, of the stool for them to look at. They may also prescribe medications for Blue. Please do not give her any human medications, as many of these are harmful for our feathered friends. I hope that gives you a place to start, and that Blue feels better soon.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my baby cockatiel pooping black and acting inactive and lazy?

Hi, and thanks for your question. These signs could be compatible with an inflammation infection of the gastrointestinal system and surrounding organs (like pancreas and liver). A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is immediately essential to confirm these clinical suspicions and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My budgie's poop is black. Is it sick, or just the black seeds?

Seed and pellet colors can sometimes affect stool color, especially if the birds are otherwise healthy and acting normal. However, stool color can also sometimes be affected by issues such as parasites, illness, etc and birds are great at hiding it sometimes. Bringing in a sample of stool to your vet for testing, or keeping an eye and watching for any signs of sick birds may help figure out any possible causes.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my cockatiel's poop bloody? Is this a serious health concern?

Hello. Blood in the droppings is not normal. This could signify an serious infection of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, or reproductive tract since birds have a single common opening for all 3 systems (the cloaca). Other possible causes of blood would be a retained or broken egg, heavy metal toxicity, foreign body, trauma, or a bleeding tumor. Whatever the underlying cause, it is potentially serious and requires a thorough assessment and treatment by a veterinarian. One thing I have seen is birds that have recently eaten red berries or other red food may pass droppings that may resemble blood. If Angel hasn’t recently (within 12-24 hours) eaten anything very red, then i would take her to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My new cockatiel has green poop near its vent. What should I do?

Thanks for reaching out. Typically this is an indiction of not grooming herself, but also possibly not eating well. First, contact the vendor, and if that is no help, seek an examination with a veterinarian. Provide heat support in the meantime, try to decrease stress. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Food & Nutrition

My bird has black liquid poop that turns the cage paper orange. Is it sick?

Black, tarry, or bloody stool can indicate issues such as a GI bleed, digestive upset, or even parasites. In some cases, adding in too many fruits or veggies, or even different colored pellets within your bird's diet can also change the color of the stool, so if your bird is acting normal except for the stool change, stopping all treats and extras beyond regular food, checking for any pellets in the food that may be a similar color, and seeing if it clears up may help. If your bird is ill in addition to the color change, such as acting listless, not eating or drinking, losing weight, etc, it would be best to have him seen by a vet, so it is a good idea to try and explain this to your parents. If your bird is ill, it is very cruel of them to not provide him with appropriate medical care, or to at least seek a humane euthanasia if he is suffering and they do not wish to treat the issue.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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