Cockatiels in their natural habitat do everything that will help them to maintain their health. Whether it is finding waterholes or sourcing food they know where to turn to. Every young bird takes a cue from its flock to protect itself. But pet birds in owners' homes have no way of learning from their clan. So, it is up to you, the owner, to take care of your pet bird.

Although 80 percent of feather plucking cases are attributed to the Cockatiel's natural behavior, sometimes, the reason for this strange behavior could be unclean feathers.

Unclean feathers are a major source of irritation to Cockatiels. Eventually, they resort to feather plucking for relief. How can you keep your Cockatiel clean and fresh?

Cockatiels give out some powder from their skin. This powdery substance is called as dander.

Usually, a bath relieves the bird of dander. Therefore, regular bathing is a must. It not only cures feather plucking but also moisturizes the feathers, softening them.

Since birds at home are exposed to artificial conditions, sometimes the unclean feathers make bathing/ a shower a must.

Some Cockatiels are fond of showers. Once you spot this in your bird, then its perch can be placed under the shower. The shower should be lightly turned on, so the water falls down gently. Water-temperature should be regulated. Having a shower bath can become a pleasant experience for the Cockatiel. In respect of a bird that prefers bathing to a shower, a dish with some water can be placed in its cage (water should be an inch deep). Later, it can be removed after the bird has bathed. The bird's bathing dish should be placed at the bottom of the cage.

Make sure that all parts of the Cockatiel's body are cleaned. But do not use soap or shampoo. A bird should be bathed in the morning. So, it has the rest of the day to dry off. Keep the bird out of the cold. In fact, keep the cage in partial sunlight. This hastens drying. Let its feathers dry out completely.

But on days when it's cold or there is no sunlight, dry the bird as completely as possible with a clean towel. Keep the bird in a warm room. As your bird is drying, it will preen itself.

A Cockatiel can even be blow-dried. But some do not enjoy the experience of blow-drying. The noise frightens them. Chances are your Cockatiel might not mind the blow dryer. And, if you are using one, remember to set it at a medium temperature. No part of the bird's body should be exposed to the dryer for more than a second. Move the dryer constantly. Do not take the dryer too close to the bird.

These tips will come in handy and insure that you keep your Cockatiel healthy and with clean feathers. In later issues of the newsletter, we shall also see about the proper grooming of feathers, beak, nails etc.

The above is an excerpt from the free newsletter on "Definitive Guide To Cockatiels" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.

To subscribe to the newsletter, click on the link below:

http://www.all-about-cockatoos.com

Here's to a happier pet-owing experience!

Jessica Harrison Geostar Publishing & Services LLC 6423, Woodbine Court, St. Louis, Missouri, 63109, USA

http://www.definitive-guide-to-cockatiels.com http://www.definitiveguidetocockatiels.com http://www.definitive-guide-to-cockatiels.com/gallery

About the Author

Jessica Harrison is the author of the best selling eBook "DefinitiveGuideToCockatiels" published by Geostar Publishing & Services LLC.