Unique Avian Solutions
for Breeding, Genetics,
and Companion Parrots
Copyright © Linda S. Rubin | CockatielsPlusParrots.com
Breeding Articles
SELECTING HEALTY STOCK
©1999 Linda S. Rubin
CF Genetics Consultant  & Panel Judge
©1999 All Photos and Articles “All Rights Reserved” by Author.
Written permission from author required for reprints.

First published in the December 1999 issue of BIRD TIMES magazine
& June 2003 issue of UK BIRDKEEPER magazine
Whether selecting foundation stock solely for breeding purposes, exhibition, or to reproduce companion
birds as treasured pets, finding healthy, robust stock is critical. All birds should be carefully and
purposefully selected. However, breeders especially should embody top physical stamina and vitality as
the forebears to the generations of cockatiels the hobby breeder is responsible for bringing into the world.



                                                            
Choosing healthy stock would seem obvious, although it is surprising how many newcomers fail to
recognize illness, let alone test new birds. A healthy bird should immediately attract your attention.
Feathers should be sleek, without evidence of “puffiness” or fluffing out, and held close to the body,
presenting a tight, clean appearance. There should be no damaged or soiled feathers, nor should they be
missing in large numbers, although a few pinfeathers may indicate a bird is beginning or finishing a molt.
Show judges often refer to a clean, tight, immaculate appearance as top condition, which generally goes
hand in hand with brimming health.



Birds that are not well maintained, or that receive only sporadic care, will usually reflect this state in their
outward appearance. Poor care, complicated by overcrowding within a cage or flight, adds significantly to
stress, which ultimately takes its toll on the entire flock. Birds kept under these conditions may appear
sluggish, holding their feathers out from their body in order to stay warm (creating a fluffed-out
appearance), and may show additional symptoms such as respiratory disease or other complications.
Such individuals may also keep their head tucked in their wing, appearing listless and depressed.



This state, however, is not to be confused with a healthy bird taking a routine nap in the afternoon or
preparing to roost for the night. Although cockatiels do take momentary rests and are not animated 24
hours a day, they should return to some activity after a short rest period. The entire community in larger
flocks will take naps at the same time of the day. Environmental conditions may also affect periods of
inactivity. For example, birds from warmer climates tend to rest during the hottest part of the day like their
wild counterparts.



Check cockatiels closely for symptoms of illness such as discharge from the eyes and nares (nostrils);
pasty vent or abnormal droppings; and tail-pumping, sneezing or wheezing, which is usually indicative of a
respiratory condition. Before purchasing a bird, ask an experienced handler to feel the keel, or breastbone,
running vertically down the front of the bird. The keel bone should not be sharp or protruding, and the bird
should feel “meaty” on either side without appearing overly plump. Prospective buyers can be fooled when
viewing birds that appear “fat and sassy” but are in fact quite thin under the layers of feathers. If the buyer
is inexperienced, then a checkup should be scheduled with an avian veterinarian with the understanding
that a bird may be returned if it is deemed unhealthy.




                                                                  
Whenever possible, examine a bird’s environment at the time of purchase. Conditions should be clean and
tidy, with all birds appearing in good health. Closely examine the food and water vessels to check that they
are clean and full; and look for clean perches of the correct diameter to ensure a strong foothold and
prevent potential foot problems. Birds also utilize their perches as a “napkin” on which they wipe their
beaks after feeding, so numerous dirty perches can indicate less than suitable upkeep.




                                                                              
Examine the droppings at the bottom of cages to determine if they are of the proper color, size and
consistency. A cockatiel’s droppings can act as a barometer to its health. Although a cockatiel may be
able to hide most of its symptoms until it is extremely ill, its droppings are a dead giveaway to any serious
illness.



Cockatiel droppings can be numerous and slightly variable in a flight full of birds, but they should not be
enlarged, discolored, surrounded by a wet ring of water, or contain blood. Healthy droppings appear tight,
round and firm, with either a black or forest-green colored ring surrounding a white, round center. Some
brands of pellets or extruded diets may influence the color of droppings, turning the fecal portion brown.
Birds fed a soft food supplement or fresh fruits and vegetables may have slightly looser droppings
because of the increased water content.



Breeding hens will typically produce very large, odorous droppings resulting from withholding their
droppings in order to keep their nests clean and dry. Hens will eliminate these droppings in a selected
spot outside the nest in the early morning and late afternoon when they come out to drink, bathe and eat.
These droppings will return to normal size and appearance once egg laying and incubation is completed.




                                                                 
There is no reason why a new breeder cannot obtain healthy stock. If a nagging voice warns you not to
buy a bird, listen to it. Cockatiels are plentiful in captivity. There is always another breeder willing to sell
you healthy stock.
FOUNDATION STOCK
HEALTH AND OVERALL CONDITION
ENVIRONMENTAL CLUES
DROPPINGS
FINAL DECISIONS