Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | unneutered | 0.22 lbs
I've got a cockatiel around 3 years old. Recently his cage mate died and he's been acting out of the ordinary we since. He still sings and talks often but sometimes during the day his behaviour changes dramatically and it's like he's so lethargic and keeps his eyes closed. He becomes somewhat unresponsive as opposed to how alert and active he usually is. What should I do?
2 Answers

Answered By Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM
Veterinarian, Board-Certified Zoological Medicine Specialist
Published on December 24th, 2017
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on October 31st, 2019
I'm so sorry for the loss of your bird. Birds are quite adept at concealing illness or injury until their condition is very serious. They can seem "healthy" one day and very sick the next. At this point, it can be very difficult to treat him. The cause cannot be determined without a post mortem examination.
If you have other birds, monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite or loose droppings. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. You may want to have any remaining birds examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian to confirm good health or to diagnose and treat any infection or injury.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful