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What are your cockatiel’s seasonal needs?

What are your cockatiel's seasonal needs?

Warm weather requires a little extra vigilance on your part to make sure your cockatiel remains comfortable. To help keep your pet cool, keep him out of direct sun, offer him lots of fresh, juicy vegetables and fruits (be sure to remove
these fresh foods from the cage promptly to keep your bird from eating spoiled food), and mist him lightly with a clean spray bottle filled with plain water. Use this bottle only for misting your bird.

On a warm day, you may notice your bird sitting with his wings held away from his body, rolling his tongue, and holding his mouth open. This is how a bird cools himself off. Watch your bird carefully on warm days because he can
overheat quickly and may suffer heatstroke, which requires veterinary care. If you live in a warm climate, ask your avian veterinarian how you can protect your bird from this potentially serious problem.

You must also pay attention to your cockatiel’s needs when the weather turns cooler. You may want to use a heavier cage cover, especially if you lower the heat in your home at night, or move the bird’s cage to another location in your home that is warmer and/or less drafty.

Holiday Precautions

The holidays bring their own special set of stresses, and they can also be hazardous to your cockatiel. Drafts from frequently opening and closing doors can affect your bird’s health, and the bustle of a steady stream of visitors can add to your pet’s stress level (as well as your own).

Chewing on holiday plants, such as poinsettia, holly, and mistletoe, can make your bird sick, as can chewing on tinsel and ornaments. Round jingle-type bells can sometimes trap a curious bird’s toe, beak, or tongue, so keep these holiday decorations out of your bird’s reach. Watch your pet around strings of lights, too, as both the bulbs and the cords can be great temptations to curious beaks.