Ask Lafeber

Senior rescue bird struggling with pin feathers, but very hand shy.

Hello!

I’ve recently taken in an older cockatiel (estimated 28-29 years old) who’s struggling with some pin feathers on the top of his head and crest. He has very little issue with me being near/around his cage for maintenance or quality time, and takes treats from my hand no problem, but will not let me touch him. I have no problem respecting that boundary, but I’d like to help him with his pin feathers as I feel like they’re probably causing discomfort. Is there anyway that I can help him without having to touch him?

Hi,

I would not push the issue. He should eventually remove the pins by rubbing his head on a perch or toy or using his foot. Once the pins are dry enough, they do eventually fall away on their own. He is very much a senior bird at his age, so you need to be very careful not to stress him and just let him be a happy senior. We do offer a senior bird diet that you might want to offer him, but only offer it along with his regular food. You do not want to deprive him of food or take measures to make him eat this diet. We have had great feedback from owners with senior cockatiels, and they report their birds have greatly improved on it. If you do try some, start out by crumbling the berries over his regular foods.

Senior Bird Nutri-Berries for Parakeet & Cockatiel

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda