Ask Lafeber

Ruffle feathers on cockateil

My cockatiel feathers are not smooth looking. They look ruffle. Where I live there is no avian vet

Hi,

Poor feather condition can be caused by poor nutrition, illness or other medical condition. With some birds they don’t preen their feathers properly or they chew their feathers. Not molting can also result in poor feather condition because the feathers are worn out. A cage that is too small can damage the feathers. Make sure the bird is on a nutritionally balanced diet like pellets – a seed diet will not provide the nutrition a bird needs. Also offer leafy greens, chopped veggies and some fruit. Misting the feathers lightly with water can encourage grooming and preening.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda