How to Care for an Elderly Cockatiel

Senior cockatiels need more specialized care than younger cockatiels.

Cockatiels can live for over 20 years, and some even longer than 30 years. To live a long time, however, elderly cockatiels require specialized care, including healthy food, close care, and a large cage.

Things You'll Need

• Cockatiel pellets
• Cuttlebone or mineral block
• 24-inch x 24-inch x 30-inch birdcage
• Different sized perches
• Paper towels

Instructions

1. Convert your elderly cockatiel from an all seed diet to a healthier diet. Feed your cockatiel a high-quality pellet, as well as healthy treats like fruits and veggies, to reduce the risk of malnutrition and obesity, which can become fatal conditions in aging cockatiels.

2. Provide your cockatiel a cuttlebone or mineral block to prevent calcium deficiencies and to keep your elderly bird's beak trim.

3. Spend time with your cockatiel everyday and get to understand his behaviors and personality. Take notice of any changes in mannerism and appearance, as this could signal illness. Bring your cockatiel to an avian vet immediately if you notice any changes, because an elderly bird's condition can worsen quicker than a young bird's.

4. Take your elderly bird to an avian vet once a year for an exam to access the general health of your bird and address any issues before they become problems.

5. Examine your bird's eyes daily for signs of cataracts, which make the eyes look cloudy and cause blindness. Senior birds with cataracts may startle easier than normal.

6. Provide your cockatiel with a cage that is 24-inches wide by 30-inch tall or larger to promote exercise and fend off arthritis. Supply the cage with multiple sized perches including a natural wood perch and a twisty rope perch to keep the bird's feet fit.

7. Notice if your bird has problems moving or holding onto perches. This can signal arthritis, which causes pain and makes your cockatiel irritable and less likely to enjoy climbing onto your hand.

8. Place your bird's food and water where your bird can easily access it, especially for older cockatiels who have arthritis-related mobility problems.

9. Change you cockatiel's cage bedding every day to keep track of your cockatiel's droppings, and schedule an appointment with a vet in any changes occur. Line the cage with white paper towels to clearly see the bird's droppings.

References

• Cockatiels: A Guide to Caring for Your Cockatiel; Angela Davids; 2006
• Pet Education.com: Caring for Your Senior Bird
• Bird Talk Magazine.com: What to Expect From Your Senior Bird