Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

Why is my cockatiel's poop bloody? Is this a serious health concern?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | 2 years and 11 months old

I have a cockatiel bird and I noticed his poop has blood on it, is that normal?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Zoological Medicine Specialist

Published on December 15th, 2017

Hello. Blood in the droppings is not normal. This could signify an serious infection of the gastrointestinal tract, urinary tract, or reproductive tract since birds have a single common opening for all 3 systems (the cloaca). Other possible causes of blood would be a retained or broken egg, heavy metal toxicity, foreign body, trauma, or a bleeding tumor. Whatever the underlying cause, it is potentially serious and requires a thorough assessment and treatment by a veterinarian. One thing I have seen is birds that have recently eaten red berries or other red food may pass droppings that may resemble blood. If Angel hasn’t recently (within 12-24 hours) eaten anything very red, then i would take her to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Good luck.

Vote icon

9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Sponsored