My new cockatiel seems sick. What should I do as a first-time owner?

Unfortunately, the symptoms you described are very vague signs of illness, so it would be hard to say what is going on without an exam in person. It's good that you're keeping her separated, and I would do so by keeping her in a warm hospital cage to see if that helps her improve. It's possible the diarrhea could be due to a diet change and the stress of coming to a new home, so giving her a day or two to see if she improves may help. Checking for parasites, and making sure she's on a balanced diet (removing any snacks or fruits and veggies for a few days if she has GI upset) may also help. As for the toe, that is very common in commercially bred birds. If it is causing trouble I would have it examined when you are able, but provide low, flat perches and platforms for her to hang out on in the meantime. This can help her stretch the toe and have a place to relax without losing balance. If she doesn't improve in a day or so, or seems to get worse, it is best to try and find a bird vet in your area that can see her right away.

Ideally, Pedro should be physically examined by a veterinarian. If an avian vet is not available, see the local veterinarian. He or she can contact an avian specialist by phone or online. Place him in his own cage or remove the chicken chicks. It isn't recommended to keep these two species caged together. Offer a mash made with warm water and a handfeeding formula to get him eating. Unflavored PediaLyte can be given via dropper if he will accept it. Keep him warm and as stress free as possible until he sees the doctor.

Is Rio still eating but just quieter? The best way to monitor this is not by looking a the food level, as they can scatter it around, but to quantitate the amount of feces produced. Clean the cage daily, same time every day, count number of fecal droppings. Slowing down and eating less might be an indication of being ill, and if concerned, a veterinary visit is recommended. Providing supplemental heat at 80-85 degrees might help support the immune system. Good luck.

He needs to be seen by a veterinarian if he is ill. Providing a warm environment, simulating a warm incubator, could give aid, but a veterinary visit is warranted. Without knowing what the clinical signs are for the illness, can not give any other advice. Good luck.

Thanks for reaching out about Pip. A veterinary visit is recommended as seems very sick. Remove perches and place a soft towel on the bottom of the cage, for comfort. Provide heat support in the 80-85 F range for aid. Lethargy and conjunctivitis are possibly chlamydophilosis, which is potentially contagious to humans. Isolate from other birds. Good luck.

Symptoms of illness or injury may include lethargy, decreased appetite, loose or discolored droppings, perching low with feathers fluffed out and eyes closed, vomiting or discharge from the eyes, nose or beak. If you think Luna may be ill, have her examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet as soon as you can. Birds are quite adept at concealing illness, so by the time they are symptomatic, they are already very ill.

I'm sorry to hear Coko isn't feeling well. If he's acting ill and isn't wanting to eat or drink in addition to losing feathers, it is best to seek veterinary care ASAP. There are many possible causes for his symptoms including illness, infections, parasites, malnutrition, etc, and a complete exam in person is needed to help determine the cause. In the meantime, keeping him warm in a hospital cage separated from other birds, and continuing to give him food and water may help, but a vet visit is best.