Generally, nearly all birds can fly even without tail feathers.
However, flying without the tail feathers is difficult for a bird, including cockatiels.
The lack of tail feathers reduces the flight distance of a bird
The tail feathers are essential to a bird’s flight.
They help a bird keep balance as it flies and while perching on branches.
Additionally, the tail feathers create more stability and give it more lift.
Is It Normal For Cockatiels To Lose Tail Feathers?
The process of losing feathers is called molting, and it is completely normal for birds.
Molting is the process in which a bird removes its dead feathers, just like how we cut our fingernails.
Another common reason your cockatiel might lose tail feathers is if it’s clumsy.
For instance, due to unsafe landing, it will end up breaking it’s feathers.
However, there are instances when loss of feathers signals an underlying health issue or poor nutrition.
If you are feeding your cockatiel seeds only, consider adding a few supplements to its diet to support the growth of stronger and healthier feathers.
Other factors that might cause loss of feathers in cockatiels are excessive preening, weather, an infection, stress, or feather destructive behavior.
If you suspect the molting of your bird is not normal, consult a vet.
What Are The Symptoms Of Molting In Cockatiel?
- A lot of feathers scattered on the cage
- It becomes cranky
- They will preen and scratch frequently
- Some of the cockatiels get aggressive
- Loss of appetite
- Tiredness and loss of interest in fun activities and interaction
Do Cockatiel Tail Feathers Grow Back?
Yes, after molting, cockatiels feathers will grow back again.
The rate of growth of the tail and body feathers depends on factors such as the bird’s general health.
Also, the nature of the diet it takes during this period is also essential.
Additionally, cockatiels tail feathers will grow again quickly when the weather is favorable.
However, if a tail feather is broken, it will take longer to grow.
It will have to wait until the next molting period for it to grow back.
In both instances, a cockatiels tail feathers will grow back.
How Long Does It Take For A Cockatiel Tail Feather To Grow Back?
If your cockatiel has lost its tail feathers, panicking is unnecessary.
They grow back pretty fast.
When they molt about two times a year, the feathers will usually take three to six months to develop fully.
But the first blood feather or a new feather will appear 7 to 10 days after molting.
However, if the tail feather is broken, a new one will not grow unless the broken feathers are plucked out or until when the bird molts.
How Do I Fix My Cockatiels Tail Feathers? Is It Possible?
When a cockatiel is molting, there is nothing much you can do.
At this stage, most birds are usually stressed and does not feel like doing a lot of activities.
Allow your cockatiel to stay alone during this time.
However, if the feathers are broken, you can use a pair of scissors to cut them off to keep them from dangling.
When it molts, the broken feather will eventually fall off and grow again.
Also, during molting, your cockatiel will have some negative symptoms such as feeling tired, vulnerable, and uncomfortable.
You can be of help by supplying it with proper nutrition for replacing the nutrients and energy lost during this process.
Related article – Cockatiel flying around the house
Wrapping Up
Your cockatiels tail is essential.
It adds to its beauty and helps it to cruise efficiently.
Also, it helps a bird to regulate its flight speed
Additionally, this enables it to take a turn smoothly during flight.
The absence of a tail might make a cockatiel unstable while its flying.
Your cockatiel will molt a few times in a year, usually two times.
During the molting, it loses its body and tail feathers.
It is a normal bird process and something that you should not be worried about at all.
The feathers will grow back in a few weeks.
The loss of tail feathers is not detrimental to the health or the well-being of the bird.
It can fly and feed well.
