Question:
I have a 12 year old female cockatiel who recently went through a 4 month period of egg laying. Even though the pair is sexually active; the eggs have never been fertile. About a month ago she began to lose weight and have diarrhea. I took away her nesting box, the diarrhea stopped, she stopped laying eggs and she began to gain weight again. Shortly after she molted as did her mate. My problem is she doesn't look any better. Today I saw her shivering. I immediately heated her cage area and called the vet. He gave me some antibiotic "just in case" it is bacterial. I live in a rural area and he doesn't have to much experience with birds.He suggested it may just be old age. She isn't egg bound and her mate is fine. Is 12 years old? She is thin.

I have given her 3 doses of meds and her condition hasn't changed for the better or worse. Should I seek out an aviary vet? Or just watch her as our family vet suggested?

Answer:
I have some knowledge with birds, so maybe this will help?
I know when birds molt it is a pretty trying experience for them, so it is possible that this may be just a reaction to the molting. How long ago did she molt? As well, is her cage near a window or door? Birds (as I am sure you know) are very susceptible to drafts, so she may be experiencing that.
Good luck and I hope she gets better!

Answer:
I don't know that much about birds, but here is a board that can surely give you some good advice!!

Bird Discussion

Answer:
Thanks for the advise guys. Dixie is looking and acting better today. It may well be just a bad molt after she was so run down. I'm feeding sprays of millet dredged with baby food and keeping her warm. I think she is going to be ok.

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