Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My cockatiel is weak, droopy, shivering, and has a tail bump. Help!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Cockatiel | Female

my 10 year old cockatiel is acting funny! when i came home, she was on her perch, but thin, with her wings a bit droopy, her eyes are tiny like when she gets sleepy. when i opened her cage, she just sat there shivering, her tail bobbing. her tail is also low and she has a little bump on the base of it. she's being docile, unlike her usual sassy self, and is being quiet. she was fine this morning! she was also nesting last week. please help!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on June 24th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about Chui. Sounds as if she is ill and needs to see a veterinarian. Wing drooped are an indication that she is weak enough not to spend energy holding her wings up. Schedule a visit for tomorrow, or an emergency visit this evening, if necessary. In the short term providing heat support in the 80-85 F range could give some support.
Good luck.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

Health & Wellness

Why is my cockatiel tucking head, tail bobbing, and shaking head?

Thanks for reaching out about Angel and including photos. Birds with their heads tucked are often weak and sick. Providing supplemental heat in the 80-85 F range can give comfort. Placing a thick towel on bottom of cage and removing perches will conserve energy. She probably needs to see a veterinarian soon, as birds are great at masking illness, and once start showing signs, are fairly sick. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cockatiel is shaking, sleepy, and not singing. Should I see a vet?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Cockatiel has weak, bleeding feathers after falling. What should I do?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cockatiel has a broken wing and is sleeping a lot. Is she sick?

Thanks for reaching out about Kiwi. A fractured wing needs to be seen and mended by a veterinarian. This is a painful situation. Separate from the parakeets, remove perches and provide a soft towel on the bottom of the cage. Providing supplemental heat support int he 80-85 F range can give some comfort. Good luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My cockatiel is quiet, shivering, and sleeping a lot. Is she sick?

Those are all very general signs that could indicate Quill isn't feeling well, especially since birds are very good at hiding illnesses until its too late. If the temperature in her room checks out OK and she is still showing symptoms, it wouldn't hurt to bring her to a vet just in case to rule out any issues. Taking note of any other changes, such as to stool consistency, eating habits, etc can also help clue you in (and your vet) to possible issues.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My cockatiel is weak, not eating, losing balance, and wings droop.

Pretty boy is very sick, but i couldn't tell you what is wrong based on these very general symptoms, you will need to take him to an avian vet urgently where a blood test and faecal exam will be done to determine what is the cause of the disease, then it will be possible to treat him accordingly.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why are my cockatiel's wings tucked between its legs and falling?

If Tuddie isn't able to hold her wings properly or is losing balance and falling over, I would have her examined by your vet ASAP. These are very concerning signs that could indicate an issue such as illness, injury, or a neurologic or muscular condition that is causing her problems. Until you can get to the vet, keeping her in a warm hospital cage with low, flat perches and food and water dishes she can easily get in and out of may help make her more comfortable.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share