Ask Lafeber

A question about my one year old male cockatiel

He has starting chewing on himself excessively. To the point he’s crying out.

Hi Jodi,

Is he plucking his feathers to the point of having bare patches? Or is he breaking the skin? He may just be molting and as new feathers grow in, he will preen them. But new feathers can be tender and he might be reacting to this.

If he is plucking or injuring himself, then I recommend you take him to an Avian Vet to rule out any medical cause.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda