Found stray cockatiel, Is she sick? Any tips?

well um... when they're fluffy, it either means they're sick or they're just simply cold.... seeing if a bird is sick is really difficult... look at its feces and see if it looks weird... look at its eyes and see if they look like they can barley be open like if it's tired... If it's standing on one leg.....or staying in the same place for a long time.... they are NOT going to eat greens, they prefer seeds more than veggies, or at least most do... my cockatiel loves millet! it's the small seeds that dominates most of the seed mixes... Monitor her behavior and check this website out: cockatielcottage.net

it's .net or .com or something I don't know, but the title is correct... Good luck and hope she gets better

They seem to get puffed for many reasons but the breathing movement might be an issue. Its excellent that you're taking it to the vet. This type of care should give the stray cockatiel another chance at a healthy life.

Mine don't bother with grapes either, but they do like shredded lettuce and other greens. Pellets are much superior to seed diets. If they get used to seed its hard to turn them back and that can be a real fatty diet which could potentially cause all sorts of problems and possibly a shorter life span.

Its good to spray her with a warm water for a bath once in a while. Its great for the skin and feathers. They can dry out pretty bad especially when a heater is running in the winter. A humidifier is also a benefit in those situations.

Millet spray is good for a treat but again its basically seed which is high in fat. Cut veggies up really fine and she might have more interest.

And I agree with teh above about the antibiotics. Even a bird straight from the pet store can have problems so the avian vet is an excellent idea.

ADDED INFO: Always better for the bird & you to get a vet check esp under the circumstances of her arrival. This is one of my favorite bird sites: http://www.cockatielcottage.net/

The info holds true for most hookbills not just cockatiels. Check out the food pages for homemade treat recipes. This little bird was very lucky to have run into a friend of yours. Best wishes, sweetie =: ]

Being quiet & not eating would be normal in a healthy cockatiel that has been sent to a new environment. In this bird you should assume it may be ill, esp with the labored breathing---any sound could be a sign of respiratory infection. Today if possible, otherwise tomorrow, get this bird to an avian vet. It likely needs a round of antibiotics. Once birds are showing symptoms like yours they have been ill for a while (at least a few days). Birds go downhill quickly, early vet care is essential. Debilitated birds cannot regulate their body temp very well so place the cage near a heat source like a lamp to keep it warm. Be sure the bird can move away fr the hotter side of the cage if it gets too warm. Right now you need to provide this kind of support until the vet can check her/him. Hope it works out.

Is she/he stretching her neck because what you said sounds like a possible infection from drinking bad water

they love grapes.