Cockatiels may stop drinking due to a variety of reasons.
Cockatiels, like many types of birds, can sometimes be tricky pets to keep. A bird that has stopped drinking water can be a serious problem because of the risk of dehydration. He may be sick or he may be feeling uncomfortable or unsafe. However, you can take a few steps to see if you can get to start drinking again.
Instructions
1. Wait for your bird to become comfortable. If you just got your bird, or you have just introduced him into a new cage or environment, he may be too uncomfortable to eat or drink at first. Give him a few days to settle in, and see if he starts .
2. Make sure your bird's water is fresh. Birds can be picky eaters and may decide not to drink their water if it is not clean and fresh. Clean the water dish and change the water daily. Used bottled or filtered water for your bird's water supply.
3. Avoid putting vitamins in your bird's water dish. Although it may seem like a good idea to add vitamins to your bird's water, they can cause bacteria to grow in the dish. This will make the water taste bad to your cockatiel. They also may make the water slimy, which may cause a bird to stop drinking.
4. Note your bird's favorite spot in his cage, the place where he spends most of his time. Place a water dish in that area. Oftentimes, birds may have trouble finding the water dish if they are in a new area.
5. Place a second in the cage. Again, birds may have trouble finding the water dish, so try placing it in different areas on different levels of the cage in the hope that your bird will see it and start drinking.
6. Sit with your bird and drink a glass of water or eat a snack. Birds are social creatures and feel most comfortable when they get to eat and drink in a flock scenario. Since you are his flock, eating and drinking with your bird at regular meal times may make him feel comfortable enough to drink on his own.
7. Bring your cockatiel to a veterinarian if he is still not drinking after you've tried these tricks. If your bird goes too long without water, he can face dehydration, which can cause severe problems and threaten the bird's life.
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