My cockatiel's feathers are changing color. Is it normal or a problem?

Thanks for reaching out about Keke and including a photo. Unfortunately the photo does not indicate an abnormality as is slightly out of focus and dark. Discolored beaks and dull plumage can be an indication of illness, whether an infection or due to sub-standard nutrition. If you haven't seen a veterinary after acquisition, that would be a good idea. Also discuss with the vet the proper nutrition for birds, as seed is not an all inclusive nutritional palette. Good luck.

Stress and diet can both contribute to feather health and coloring. As long as your bird is behaving normally otherwise, there is likely no cause for concern. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, loose droppings or excessive feather loss (not due to molting). These are symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian.

Thanks for reaching out about Chicky. Paling of color could be due to lack of dietary pigments in the food, especially if giving seed. Pellets, fresh vegetables in all color are important for the ingested precursors of colors. Other diseases including viral, metabolic and hormonal concerns can also lead to these changes. If concerned of other clinical signs present, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

As far as I can see from the photo, the feathers look normal and healthy. Some color change and darkening of feathers is normal, and the feathers may continue to change somewhat until Pa Pa reaches maturity. Molts can also change feather color some as old feathers fall out and new ones come in. If he is otherwise healthy, normal, and active, I wouldn't be worried. If the feathers change rapidly, fall out, seem bothersome, or you notice any signs of illness in addition to the changes, scheduling a checkup with your local vet to rule out any health issues is always the best course of action.

The grey covering is a sheath that is on new or developing feathers. His skin looks irritated which may be due to parasites or infection. Ideally, he should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, perches and toys. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Transition him to s commercial pelleted diet such as Harrison's, Lafeber, Exxact or Pretty Bird. You can supplement with a small amount of a fortified seed mix as well as with fresh vegetables and fruits.

Thanks for adding in a photo! From the photo, it looks like Meenu might be molting! This is normal in all birds, and happens when they replace their old feathers with new ones. Baby birds will also have a molt as they reach adulthood, losing their soft downy feathers (the wispy ones in the picture) and replacing them with their adult feathers. It is very normal for colors to change somewhat during a molt as brighter colors come in, and the feathers may fade some with time as well. As long as Meenu is otherwise healthy and happy, it isn't anything to be worried about. To see if your bird is growing in new feathers you can look for pin feathers (small like needle-like things poking out of the skin). Making sure Meenu is on a healthy balanced diet can help make sure she has a good molt and grows in healthy new feathers.

Thanks for reaching out. Diet can have an affect on pigments of the plumage. An only seed diet lack multiple vitamins, minerals and nutrients, and is a poor diet. A wide variety of vegetables and avian pellets should provide an adequate diet. If continued to be concerned, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a physical examination. Good luck.