Cockatiel droppings resemble smaller versions of the piles of droppings that bigger birds produce, with one exception. Because cockatiels come from such a dry environment in the interior of Australia, their droppings are drier than those of other, larger parrots who come from tropical jungle regions.
Bird droppings consist of three parts:
• The feces, which are the darker, solid portion of the droppings
• The urine, which is the liquid part of the droppings
• The urates, which is the creamy white portion of the droppings seen around the feces
Although bird droppings are probably among the least appealing aspects of owning a pet bird, they are also one of the most important. The size, shape, color, consistency, and frequency of your bird’s droppings can indicate health or illness.
Any change from your bird’s normal elimination routine can also signal health or behavioral problems that may require a veterinary evaluation. Make it a habit to look at your bird’s droppings each day. Does she seem to be eliminating more or less than usual? Are the droppings wetter than normal? Have they changed color? If you notice something out of the ordinary, contact your avian veterinarian’s office for an evaluation appointment to ensure your cockatiel remains in good health.
