December 22, 2018
biting
my cocatiel is probably 10 years old he started biting his chest to were it is red smelling and he had it bleeding what is wrong and he only eats seed what else can I feed him for nutrients
Question:
Answer:
Hi Christine,
I’m sorry your bird is doing this. Since he is on a seed only diet, part of the problem is probably malnutrition. Unfortunately most seed mixes do not offer much in the way of nutrients because the seed is usually not fresh enough to retain natural nutrients. At his age, he needs even more in the way of nutrition. He may have a skin infection since the plucking is so severe. I would first take him to an Avian vet – a vet who sees birds. He probably needs some medicine and may need to wear a collar until his chest has healed.
For better nutrition, you may want to try him on some of our diets. Our diets are nutritionally balanced the same as a pelleted diet, but they contain whole ingredients. Birds who are used to seed will generally convert to our diets easily. We also make a senior bird diet that he would do well on. Please visit our nutrition page below to learn more about his needs and what we can offer.
But definitely take him to a vet soon before the damage gets worse.
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda
