- Stress: Stress is a common cause of feather loss in cockatiels. Stressors can include changes in environment, such as moving to a new home, introducing new pets, or sudden disturbances. Lack of proper socialization or being kept in isolation can also be stressful.
- Nutritional deficiencies: A diet lacking in essential nutrients, such as vitamins A, E, and B complex, can lead to feather loss. Protein deficiency can also contribute to baldness.
- Medical conditions: Certain diseases or medical conditions, including hormonal imbalances, skin infections, parasites, and liver or kidney problems, can cause feather loss. Feather-destructive behavior (self-mutilation) can also result in baldness.
- Feather mites: Feather mites are tiny parasites that feed on feathers and cause irritation, leading to feather loss.
- Environmental allergies: Cockatiels can develop allergies to certain substances in their environment, such as dust, pollen, or chemicals, leading to feather loss.
- Over-preening: Some cockatiels may excessively preen themselves due to anxiety, stress, or boredom. This can result in feather loss.
It's essential to identify the underlying cause of baldness to provide appropriate treatment for your cockatiel. If you notice any signs of feather loss, it's best to consult an experienced avian veterinarian for proper diagnosis and treatment.