March 31, 2022
How to increase the weight of an underweight cockatiel?
My cockatiel is very skinny. He is 78 grams and 3 months old. I feed him vitamin seeds and how should I change his diet so that he gains a little weight?
Question:
Answer:
Hi,
It’s important to understand that his actual weight is not as important as his body condition. At 78 grams, that can be perfectly normal for a cockatiel of his age. He still has some growing to do – cockatiels will continue to grow and develop for about 2 years. He may look full size, but there is some development he still needs to go through. Weight should be assessed based on his muscling on his chest, on either side of his keel. I’ll give you a video link below that described how to assess your bird’s body condition. If you still feel the bird is underweight, then you should take him to an Avian Vet to rule out a health issue.
As for diet, he should be eating a nutritionally balanced diet like pellets. A seed mix does not provide the nutrition he needs, even with vitamins added. You can also offer greens, veggies and some fruit as part of his diet. I will also give you the link to our feeding guide with more information.
Thank you for asking Lafeber,
Brenda
