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Why is my cockatiel eating its own droppings? Is this normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male

My cockatiel eats it's own droppings. Is this normal? I provide plenty of food and drink

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on March 17th, 2017

This is not normal. It may be due to boredom, hunger or nutritional deficiency. Young birds may do this because they do not know any better yet. Review the diet with an experienced avian veterinarian to correct any deficiencies. Use a cage with a raised wire bottom so the droppings fall through and out of reach. Clean the cage regularly to avoid build up of droppings on bars.

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    Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on July 1st, 2018

    There probably isn't a good way to train this, so instead preventing her from getting to them in the first place is best. You want to make sure the cage has a bottom to it that allows the droppings to fall through, so that she doesn't have as easy access to them. If you don't have that option, cleaning daily to remove any droppings is best. Providing some extra enriching toys and treats that are more fun than the droppings is also a good way to distract her and encourage her to play with that instead.

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