If you opt to wash the cockatiel in the shower, remove the shower head. If your shower head is not removable, move the shower perch into and through the water. The cockatiel should be wet all over. Do not open the faucet so far that the force of the water is excessive or the bird will be unable to clean itself. After the bath, replace your bird in its cage and allow it to preen itself. After the cockatiel has completed its grooming routine, replace it in its cage and disinfect the sink. Use a solution of one part bleach to ten parts water. Alternately, you could poor boiling water over the surface of the sink. Be sure to remove sink mats, dish drainers and other objects which may have been contaminated by your bird’s cleaning in the sink.
Cockatiels enjoy being sprayed with the misting bottle. It allows grease and oils to run off their feathers.
If your bird does require soap, use a mild glycerin soap and rinse it thoroughly. Wash the bird’s body only, not its face. Set your bird in a deep dish or tub filled with soapy water up to its chest and scrub gently. [4] X Research source
Do not use a blow-dryer on your cockatiel, as many blow-dryers contain nonstick coating on their heating coils, which can be toxic to birds. [6] X Research source
A list of cockatiel breeders is available at https://www. beautyofbirds. com/cockatielbreeders. html. Some cockatiel breeders offer grooming services. A list of avian vets is available through the Association of Avian Veterinarians at https://www. aav. org/search/custom. asp?id=1803.
If you accidentally cut the quick, check the severity. Sometimes a small cut will stop quickly after a few drops of blood are spilt. Have some styptic sticks on hand as part of your cockatiel first-aid kit. Styptic sticks are agents which promote hemostasis (the process by which bleeding stops) and are available at pet stores. If you do not have any styptic sticks and the bleeding is profuse, dip the bleeding foot in cornstarch or flour to staunch the flow.
Do not cut the quick when clipping.
You can also engage in training to ensure the bird flies in only certain areas or certain ways. While clipping the wings is not hard, it can limit a bird’s ability to stay healthy and fit. Feathers which have been clipped might not re-grow properly and the bird could develop behavioral problems. Furthermore, it may leave them in danger if they are ever in a situation where escape is necessary, such as an encounter with another pet. Therefore, carefully consider if clipping the wings is a good choice for your bird.
If you do not feel like dropping the money on it, at least watch your vet or a trained professional clip your bird’s wings before attempting to do so yourself. Carefully observe their behavior and make a video recording of the clipping for later reference. [14] X Research source [15] X Research source
Identify the shaft of each feather you intend to cut. If you have trouble identifying the shaft, soak the wings in a mix of water and alcohol. [16] X Research source Move other feathers out of the way while examining a particular feather.
Have a friend hold the cockatiel. It helps to wrap it gently in a towel. Slowly extend the wing whose feathers you want to cut. Begin cutting at the tip of the wing. Cut all the feathers which you want trimmed on one wing before moving to the next. Cut the same feathers in equal amounts on each wing. Do not clip more than ten primary feather’s from a cockatiel’s wings. [18] X Research source Do not clip your bird’s wings with scissors. Do not clip any secondary feathers. [19] X Research source Your clipping should allow the bird to fly down from a perch or cage but should be unable to fly up. If your bird can do neither – or both – successfully, you may need to revise your clipping technique with the help of a qualified professional.
To execute a one-wing clip, simply follow the same directions as you would would to clip both your bird’s wings, but apply the clipping pattern to only one wing.
