Here are some cockatiel emergencies that will in most cases require medical attention from your vet.
A foreign object that has been inhaled or eaten
Cockatiels can develop respiratory problems if they have foreign objects in their bodies. If your bird has inhaled something, you will normally see him wheezing or battling to breath. If he swallowed something, he may look as though he is choking.
If you suspect your cockatiels has eaten or inhaled a foreign object, take him to your vet immediately.
Lead Poisoning
Cockatiels are at risk of dying of lead poisoning. Some of the symptoms include depression, walking in circles at the bottom of the cage, regurgitation and droppings that resemble tomato juice. You will need to start treatment as soon as possible.
To avoid lead poisoning, keep your cockatiel away from stained glass, parrot toys that are weighted with lead, fishing hooks and paint with lead in it, normally found in older arms.
Overheating
Cockatiels don’t have sweat glands, and can overheat quite easily. If your bird is too hot, he will show signs by taking his wings out from his body, breathing with his beak open or rolling his tongue.
Cool your bird by putting him in front of a fan or misting him with water. If the bird is badly overheated, contact your vet as quickly as possible.
Poisoning
Cockatiels that have ingested poison will either regurgitate, be disorientated, or have bloody stools. They may also go red around the beak and have convulsions or even go into shock. If you know what the bird ingested, take the poison with you and get your bird to the vet as quickly as possible.
Seizures
Seizures can indicate any of these conditions – lead poisoning, epilepsy, nutritional deficiencies or heat stroke. Your cockatiel could go into a seizure that lasts anything up to a couple of minutes. Afterwards your cockatiel may seem dazed and sit on the floor of the cage. First cover the cage to make it dark and reduce the bird’s stress levels and then contact your vet for further assistance.
Shock
If your cockatiel goes into shock, it means that it’s circulatory system cannot move the blood supply around its body. This is a serious condition that can lead to death if left untreated. Birds in shock will look fluffed up, breath rapidly and look depressed. If you suspect shock, cover the cage and transport her to the vet as soon as possible.
In most emergency situations, you should keep the following in mind. Keep your bird warm, reduce stress by placing in a dark and quiet room, make sure his food is easy to reach and lastly make sure that he is protected from further injury.