upatsix.com - Your Source For Pet Bird Information

Hi, I am about to purchase a new cockatiel this weekend. I am about to schedule and appointment with the vet. I am wondering if it's better to bring the bird to the vet directly from the breeder/shop or keep it for a few days and let it get settled in at home and then bring him to the vet. Which one is better for the bird? I don't want him to get too stressed out.

Thanks for your help

And also, if possible,
One of the cockatiels I saw always has his crest smoothly laid down on his head. I read that this means aggression. However, he was very friendly and social too. Is this an exception or did I judge him wrongly?

Also, I want to buy Dawn dish soap for cleaning the cage. However, there's a lot of types of Dawn soap/detergent and Im not sure which kind to buy (simple pleasures, ULTRA dawn, etc.).

Thanks for your help again!

If you do not have any other birds it is Ok to bring him home first barring signs of disease to get him adjusted to his new home.
The crest up & down reflect moods. Eddie's crest for the most part is flat but when she is alert and excited about something it stands up.
I use the antibacterial dish soap. just make sure you rinse thoroughly

Personally, I would have the vet visit scheduled and take him/her directly there, that way there is only one big trauma, not two seperate ones. This way once the bird is home, it can relax and you don't break the beginning trust and take the bird in to the vet just as you are starting to bond.

You can use dish soap, but it is very hard to make sure that it is completely rinsed. I personally use Poop Off, a steam cleaner, a 10% bleach solution (rinse well), or a 50/50 vinegar solution (again rinse after cleaning to eliminate smell).

Most poops will come off easily with any of these after soaking a few minutes if they are dried on.


The crest is an indicator of mood. Smooth down is 99.9% of the time meaning calm. The rest of the body behavior will tell you what they are feeling. Agression is usually accompanied with hissing, rocking, and biting. If the bird is at this level, don't push the interaction unless you are forced to.

Okay. Thanks for everyones help.