Ask Lafeber

My cockatiel is growing slowly

My cockatiel is 3 weeks old now, he looks about 2 weeks old but is still growing but slower than he should be, he is eating well. Any suggestions or ideas on what the problem could be?

Hi Moez,

A handfeeding chick will grow more slowly than if the parents are feeding it. But if the growth seems to have stopped, it can mean there is a problem with the chick. It could be something genetic, an infection, an internal issue or possibly what you are feeding is not providing the nutrition he needs. You should be feeding a commercial hand feeding formula. I would recommend taking the chick to an Avian Vet to determine what the problem might be.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda