Sick Cockatiel? (moved from Cockatiel FAQ's)

[earth.angel]

Hi All,

I have found a beautiful cockatiel running up the middle of one of my local streets. There were people around who weren't too fussed about it. Thinking it was injured as it wouldn't fly, I scoped it up off the road to save it from the magpies and cars. It was dirty and had clipped wings (that's why no lift off) and seemed quite pleased to be safe. I have no idea where it came from, how long it has been out etc. I have been searching the local neighbourhood for it's owner but no-one has come forward. On to the point of this post.....today when I came home it was eating...a short time later it was on the bottom of the cage puffed up, eye's closed. I got it out of the cage and it put it's head underneath it's wing and seemed quite content to sit on me asleep. Should I be worried? Could this little darling be ill, stressed or just exhausted from it's ordeal.

Any comments would be appreciated.
Me

[Belinda]

The symptoms you described sound like a very sick bird which isn't so suprising after being out and on it's own for who knows how long. I personally would take it to an avian vet just to get it checked over. It would be heartbreaking if you didn't and it died then the owner came forward and you had to break the news.

[PhoenixK]

I agree with Belinda, that the symptoms you mentioned are quite typical of a sick bird. Have you taken him to see a vet? If not, it's definitely a good idea to do so. If you don't think you'll be able to afford taking care of a sick bird (who may belong to someone else), you could look up a local bird rescue in the phone book or online and tell them what's going on, and hand the bird over to them.

How's he doing now, by the way? I'll be praying that he's getting better. ^_^

[JaneJacinto]

Yes, I agree with the rest, vet check up is the way to go. Hope he makes it.
Jane

[Shannon]

Sometimes our local animal rescue centers are full of animals, and there's just no place for them to go. If you can't get it into a rescue center, and you don't have the money for the vet, then maybe you should make some phone calls. I'm sure that there will be a nice vet out there that will understand the situation, and will be willing to work something out with you.

When I was 17 I wanted to be a vet, and tried to convince my vet's office to let me sit in on some surgeries and see if it would be anything I'd like to do. My vet wouldn't agree to it, but I found one that did, and he was a really great guy.
About a year later I was driving on a rainy night when I found a tiny kitten in the middle of the road that had been hurt. I picked it up and called my vet, and they said they wouldn't do anything for it unless I paid for the care myself. (emergency fees, starting at $100/hour) I was angry with them, and I called the nice vet that let me watch some surgeries, and he got out of bed at 10pm and met me at his office. The kitten was hurt really bad, and there wasn't much that he could do for it so he had to euthanize it. But, it was better than being stuck in the middle of the street to get hurt more and have a painful death. There are nice vets out there that truly care about what happens to animals, and are willing to help even if there isn't money involved. Hopefully there's one in your area.

[Grace Pagan]

Hi, my name is Grace and I need help!!! My cockatiel have something in the beak and I don't know what it is. It's like tumors. Please help me!!! Where I can find information about it?

[Pipers Mom]

Hi, my name is Grace and I need help!!! My cockatiel have something in the beak and I don't know what it is. It's like tumors. Please help me!!! Where I can find information about it?

I recommend taking your cockatiel to an avian vet. Can you post pics to see what you exactly what you are speaking of in regards to tumors. Also, perhaps you should try starting a new thread. You will have a better chance of someone seeing your question.