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Why is my cockatiel wagging its tail uncontrollably and acting scared?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Cockatiel | Female

My cockatiel is wagging it’s tail uncontrollably. Why is that? I don’t know how to show it in pictures. She gets scared when she does that (as if she don’t know what’s happening).

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1 Answer

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Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on February 29th, 2020

Thanks for reaching out about Tring Tring and including photos. Bobbing up and down could be respiratory problems. Wagging sideways could be a broken tail feather or pain for other reason. Still eating and defecating? Check the vent for accumulation of feces. If continues, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess. Good luck.

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