My cockatiel has an irregular heartbeat. Can diet or supplements help?

Thanks for reaching out about Coco. These clinical signs are not normal and a veterinary visit is recommended. Review diet and husbandry to correct any deficiencies, as low calcium, protein and some vitamins can cause weakness. Infections or metabolic disorders should also be on the differential list. A veterinarian can assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Taka and including photos. That is a significant weight loss (20-25%), and infectious or metabolic disorders are a consideration. Amoxicillin might help but is aimed at more gram positive bacteria such as staphylococcus or streptococcus, and not bacteria such as e coli or salmonella. Prescribing or suggesting a medication is not allowed on this website. Seeking the advise of a local veterinarian is recommended. 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.

Unfortunately, without an exam it would be hard to say. If she just molted and is doing so again, I would be concerned that her nutritional needs still aren't fully addressed, she needs some more lighting, or that there is another issue such as stress feather picking, skin issues, or parasites causing the feathers to fall out. A recheck with your vet can help rule out further nutritional issues and any skin problems/illnesses while adding in some lighting and enrichment such as toys to chew on, etc may help improve her feathering.

Ideally, Pidori should be examined by a veterinarian to confirm good health or to treat any pre existing conditions. Submit a stool sample to diagnose intestinal parasites (worms). Provide a cage large enough to prevent wingtip or tail rubbing. A cuttlebone and/or mineral block should be provided as well. Place several perches in the cage. Use perches of varying sizes and thickness to promote foot health. Feed a quality commercial pelleted diet as the staple (80%). Supplement with a fortified seed mix and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, avocado and pits or seed from fruit. Cockatiels can eat a wide variety of fresh foods such as pastas, cooked egg and beans. Signs of illness include very loose or discolored droppings, a loss of appetite, lethargy (especially when perched with feathers fluffed out).

It is possible that there was something in the vitamins that made him ill, was in too high of a dose, or they weren't administered properly. Since he is now reacting to them, it would be best to seek out his vet or an emergency vet clinic in your area ASAP to get him seen and treated. Until you can get to the vet, keeping him warm and calm and on his regular baby bird food may help, but if he is acting very ill after being given a medication he needs to be seen by a vet ASAP. In the future, it is best not to give any extra supplements or medications to your birds unless instructed by a vet to ensure they are the right dosage and type for your bird to handle.

Thanks for reaching out about Nibbles. A bird this small/light weight probably needs diagnostic testing to determine the problem. You should start with a CBC (complete blood count) to look for signs of infection, a serum biochemistry to check kidney/liver function, and possibly radiographs. You need to feed more than twice daily and improve the caloric intake, but food is not fixing the problem. Continue to heat support so Nibbles doesn't get cold and have to shiver to generate heat, thereby using up calories. Good luck.