If you have recently noticed that your bird’s feathers are looking a bit sadder and the beak a bit weaker, you might be looking for a way to improve your cockatiel’s appearance.
And you might be thinking about coconut oil
Question is – Can You Put Coconut Oil On My Cockatiel?
Although putting coconut oil directly onto your bird might seem like a good idea at first, it’s not recommended.
In fact, putting the oil onto your bird can damage its feathers.
Instead, feed your cockatiel the coconut oil.
This oil will help improve your cockatiel’s appearance and overall health too.
Here’s what you’re going to discover in this article
- Can you put coconut oil on your cockatiel? (Answered in detail)
- Can you feed your bird coconut oil?
- What to do if your bird is covered in oil
Lots to cover!
Sound good?
Let’s get started!
Can I Use Coconut Oil On My Cockatiel? (Answered In Detail)
If you live in a dry climate, an idea might cross your mind to use an oil for your bird to keep it moisturized and healthy.
Coconut oil is a popular type of oil used for birds as it is natural and filled with benefits.
Human skin definitely benefits from using oils like coconut, so you might think it to be the same case for birds’ beaks, feathers, and feet.
But if you are seeking any improvement in your bird’s appearance, applying it directly onto the bird is not the best way to go.
In fact, putting any kind of oil onto your bird’s feathers can damage them.
Additionally, as coconut oil smells delicious, your bird may end up plucking its own feathers.
And the coconut oil could even prevent the bird from properly preening and grooming itself.
Without preening, your bird’s feather quality will further deteriorate.
Can I Feed My Bird Coconut Oil?
Instead of putting the coconut oil onto the bird, feed the bird the oil.
Coconut oil is a great fatty acid supplement. In the wild, birds will eat a wide variety of plants for all the needed nutrients.
Domesticated birds have a bit more trouble getting all of the nutrients they need.
So coconut oil is a great addition to their diet.
Coconut oil has what is called medium chain fatty acids AKA MCFAs.
In particular, they contain lauric acid, capric acid, and acprylic acid.
These acids work wonders for birds and improve their health and appearance.
Once you add this one ingredient to your bird’s diet, you will notice a great difference in its appearance and behavior.
You’ll see shinier feathers, stronger beaks, and a more upbeat attitude.
Coconut oil also is a rich source of medium chain triglycerides (MCT) which provide energy.
It will also aid your bird’s digestive health and has antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties.
In other words, coconut oil is a superfood for your bird!
When supplementing your bird’s diet with coconut oil, make sure to put in a tiny amount in its food, not in the water.
And ensure that the coconut oil used is of the highest quality.
Birds will eat coconut oil in the liquid form as well as in its solid form, so you can pick and choose how you’d like to introduce this superfood to your bird.
They’ll even eat the coconut meat itself!
Birds love the taste of coconut, so you won’t have a hard time convincing them to eat it.
What To Do When a Bird Is Covered In Oil?
When feeding coconut oil to your bird, be careful.
Why?
Because you don’t want them to accidentally smear the oil onto their feathers.
The last thing you want is your bird to be dowsed in oil which will weigh their feathers down and damage them.
If oil sticks to their feathers, they will not be able to fly due to the extra weight.
If your bird is accidentally covered in some oil, you need to help clear the oil off.
The weapon of choice when trying to remove the oil is Dawn dish soap.
Put a splash of it in a tub of warm water and place your bird inside.
Wash your bird gently and rinse it off when done.
Repeat as necessary.
If there’s an excessive amount of oil accidentally spilled onto your bird, prior to helping it, the first and best step is to call a vet or an animal society.
They will best advise you on how to help the bird.
This goes for wild birds that have been exposed to oil spills as well.
Those oil spills are a touch more difficult to handle than a little spill of vegetable oil on your bird’s feathers.
Taking the wild bird to a facility is the best option here.
Here’s some related articles I think you will find interesting!
Is construction paper safe for birds?
Is peppermint oil safe for birds?
Is acrylic paint safe for birds?
Wrapping Up
Coconut oil is a superfood for birds.
If you are looking to improve your bird’s feathers, it’s a great addition to their diet.
However, don’t put the coconut oil directly onto the bird as it may cause some issues.
Thankfully, there are ways to remove the oil if you do accidentally spill some on your bird.
A safe way to feed your bird coconut oil is to feed it in its solid form.
It will be a tasty and healthy snack for your feathered friend!
