If your underweight cockatiel or pet birds falls outside of the standard weight range, you may need to take steps to help them gain weight. Some reasons for cockatiel losing weight or being underweight include poor diet, depression, genetics, and behavior when eating. As a caretaker, you can improve their health by helping them put on some additional pounds.
Rework on the cockatiel weight chart
Cockatiels are finicky eaters, and they prefer less healthy food in their diets, which can cause their calorie intake to drop. When the weight of a cockatiel drops, it indicates that he is skinny cockatiel , deficient in protein and fat and is considered as underweight cockatiel.
This cockatiel gain weight technique worked because I refused him the option to select other foods whenever peanuts were offered. He eventually liked having peanuts. You should provide them with a variety of sunflower seeds, red palm oil and grains, as they will appreciate them and acquire enough calories from them. They will eventually gain healthy weight.
Control the activity level if your cockatiel is hyperactive
Cockatiels can get stressed and even lose weight if they’re constantly active or pestered by other birds. If your cockatiel is too high-strung, try controlling his activity levels by restricting his space and removing toys from his area. This will give him a chance to relax for a while, which can help increase weight due to the carbs content in his body.
Separate from other birds and give attention
Aside from proper diet you need to do is isolate him, especially baby cockatiel and handfeed him for a short while. Although it can be taxing, seeing him rapidly gain weight is beneficial for his mental state.
Although it may not be possible to keep cockatiels apart from other birds permanently, doing so temporarily can be beneficial since you would then know what his wants and health issues are. Also, take note of the health conditions of other cockatiels as well. One sickcockatiel can quickly spread its disease to others through contact. This is something else you should keep in mind before separating them.
Increase in food quantity
A cockatiel needs 2 tablespoons (~30 grams) of pellets or seeds twice a day. In addition to a solid diet, you should also give him access to water at all times.
If your bird is underweight, it’s best to feed him 3-4 tablespoons (~45-60 grams) of pellets or seeds each day. This will not only provide the energy he needs to stay active but help him gain weight more quickly.
Regular communication with your bird
An an animal lover you need to pay attention to important details like balanced diet, poor digestive system and mental health. The mental health of a bird is vital, but often overlooked and we did not realize it is one of the causes of underweight cockatiels. Isolation and loneliness can affect birds just as it does humans. If you’re away from home for an extended period or if the human interaction with your cockatiel is lacking, he/she may become stressed. This can be dangerous if it’s been going on for some time. To help improve your cockatiel’s mental state, here are a few things you can do:
- Make sure to take some time each day to just play.
- Provide your cockatiel with as much space to fully explore your abode as possible.
- When treating a frightened bird, it’s important to include another species.
- Give him as many toys as you can.
- Talk to your partner frequently and initiate physical touch.
Use weight gain supplement
If your attempts to fatten up your cockatiel fail, take him or her to see an avian vet. The professional may prescribe a multivitamin supplement which will not only make the bird hungrier but also balance its diet with much-needed nutrients.
How do I know if I have underweight cockatiel?
If your cockatiel weighs less than 80 grams and you can see his keel bones, he is underweight. If that’s the case, your cockatiel could become dangerously thin because his muscles might run out.
In addition, the breast bone becomes sharp to touch. This is how you can tell for certain that your cockatiel is underweight. If you touch your bird, you will be able to feel this easily.
Bottom Line- Underweight Cockatiel
Making your cockatiel fat is a simple process as long as he does not have any other problems, so don’t stress if have an underweight cockatiel. It’s also critical for cockatiel parents to use a bird scale to accurately assess weight differences. You should observe a significant increase in the weight of your cockatiel in 7 days if you employ the techniques described in this article.
