Skinny Galah

[PrincessNicole]

I have a galah cockatoo called Ella and she's 5 years old. Recently she seems to look quite thin, she seems to be eating as well as she normally does but are there any obvious signs that a bird is too thin? She's plucked a few feathers out recently so that could be why but when I stroke the top of her chest I can feel a bone there which I can't recall noticing before. This could just all be in head but I feel it's odd that I've noticed it.
Any knowledge/help would be greatly appreciated

[hollyhawkz]

I think you may be right. Usually when they are underweight, you can feel the keel bone. Sounds like it's vet check time to put your mind at ease.

[Astrid660]

^agree with holly. most people have a special bird scale and weigh their birds weekly or monthly to monitor any changes. I have yet to get one

[RubyMuse]

Yep, get her to a vet before it becomes more costly and harder to turn around. She may not be processing food for a reason and just feeding her more is not going to change this - take her in before it gets dangerous and do not rely on her behavior to be the decision as many birds appear normal right up until they drop dead.

Don't want to scare you but rather save you from heartbreak. If you can feel her keel, she needs veterinary care.

[suzhouchen]

I agree take her to the vet. My Galah is chubby and Galah's are actually prone to being chubby. So much so that you have to monitor their diet so they do not get too fat. If your Galah is actually skinny it is very unusual.

They love seeds and sunflower seeds are usually a favorite. Seeds pack on the weight though.

Galah's are also foragers so if you have ever had her outside and she was foraging in the grass she could have picked up parasites.

This is a treat for a Galah to get to go outside and play in the grass. They love it. However you need to worm them regularly if they do this.

I can easily tell if my Galah is losing too much weight. If yours is skinny---PLEASE take it to the vet and take a feces sample with you.

All birds are precious but to me the Galah rules my heart....best wishes and keep us posted ok.