My cockatiels are puffed up and inactive. Are they sick or too cold?

A more fluffed up appearance is usually symptomatic of high temperature which can cause lethargy as well. High temperature is usually caused by an infection which is very often of respiratory origin. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is 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!

Hello. You do describe a bird that may be unwell. Infections, parasites, poor nutrition, possibly unsuitable environmental conditions can all cause malaise in a bird. It is very important to have a hands on examination done on your bird so the reasons for his condition can be identified & addressed. I hope Bunty is feeling better soon & thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

If she is behaving normally otherwise, there is likely no cause for concern. Birds will fluff up their feathers to trap air between them. this acts as insulation to retain body heat. Check the room temp and increase it if necessary. Use a cage cover at night and check for strong or cold drafts around her cage. If she is lethargic, not eating and has loose droppings then she should be examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet.

Thanks for reaching out about Yes and including photos. Birds fluffed their feathers to provide more insulation, whether cold or ill. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some comfort. A veterinary visit is recommended to assess and help determine why he is acting ill. Monitor for food and water intake, might have to be separated from other bird to determine. Good luck.

Hello. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Sepeda is beautiful! A cockatiel sleeping with feathers fluffed can either be normal behavior or sign of illness. Nighttime is when a cockatiel gets the majority of their sleep. At night, a cockatiel’s body temperature is lower, so they may do several things to conserve body heat. * stand on one leg, tucking the other up under the abdomen * tuck the head under her wing * fluff up the feathers to trap warm air next to the body It is recommended that you keep at least three sides of the cage covered at all times to help keep temperatures constant in the cage. If she seems unusually sleepy during the day then she may be getting sick. She should be active in daylight doing all of her normal activities (feeding, preening, exploring, exercising, singing, etc). If she is sleeping more than the occasional nap, especially if she is fluffed up, she might not be feeling well. Sick birds often huddle at the bottom of the cage, fluffed up and looking sleepy. They can quickly become too weak to stand on a perch or eat. A cockatiel behaving this way needs evaluation as quickly as possible by an avian veterinarian. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for reaching out about Sky and including photos. Birds are typically fluffed when cold or ill. A veterinary visit is recommended, sooner than later. Providing heat support can give some aid but is not a cure for illness. As a new bird, moving to a new home can be stressful for a young animal, and suppressing the immune system, allowing subclinical infections to manifest. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Sprout and including photos. Being fluffed is a general sign os possible illness, nothing specific. A veterinary visit is needed to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Providing heat support in the 80-85 F range can give some aid but is not a treatment. Monitor food and water intake. Good luck.