Cockatoos cannot speak. They cannot tell us when they are feeling cold or unhappy. But, the body language of cockatoos explains their feelings and health. What about puffing their feather? Does it mean something?
Cockatoos puff their feathers when they are drowsy or sleepy. But it can also mean they are stressed or sick. Puffing alone does not help understand much, but with the other symptoms, you can understand their situation.
Different situations in which cockatoos puff feathers
Let’s discuss different situations in which cockatoos puff their feathers and what other symptoms cockatoos show in these situations.
Need cuddles
Cockatoos are very affectionate birds; they want to be loved. Once they are bonded to you and are used to getting cuddles, they will come asking for it.
When a cockatoo looks absolutely active, eats properly, and just sometimes comes close to us, puffs its feathers, and slightly tilts its head, it is actually asking for cuddles and rubs.
If your cockatoo does something like this, there is nothing to worry about. However, I recommend cuddling to a limited extent; otherwise, cockatoos get so much attached that they cannot tolerate being away. Eventually, they can fall into depression if you give them less time.
Stressed
Cockatoos can easily fall into depression if they are not being raised properly. They demand attention, care, and love. If not given, they fall into depression and stop taking an interest in anything.
Similarly, if they are not being taken good care of, are raised in an unfavorable environment, or are abused, they show symptoms of stress.
Usually, when cockatoos are stressed, they stop eating or eat less, puff their feathers, hide their face in their feathers and stay in one position for hours. They gradually start falling sick, and in the worst situations, they start plucking their own feathers and removing every feather they can pluck.
Self-defense
Besides other reasons, cockatoos also puff their feathers when defending themselves. They puff up to look bigger than they are and to scare the intruder.
Generally, when cockatoos are aggressive and trying to scare off an intruder, they also open their beak and tail, hiss, and flash their pupil. This is a kind of warning for the intruder before the cockatoo attacks them.
Sick
Usually, when cockatoos puff for other reasons, it is temporary, but when they are sick, they puff for hours. They sit quietly and seem inactive. In severe cases, they also shiver, which is a clear sign of fever.
Their wings are usually dropped as if they don’t have the energy to pull them properly, and their head seems to be pulled a bit toward the neck. They also can’t open their eyes properly.
If you try to interact with and touch them, they move slowly as if weak. They also so less interest in food and toys that they usually love.
Cold
When cockatoos puff because they feel cold, the symptoms are similar to when they are sick. Except, they are temporarily inactive and get active as soon as they are interacted with or offered a treat. Moreover, their wings are not exactly dropped; they keep them in the proper position.
Cockatoos puffing in winter is a normal behavior. They do it to keep themselves warm. When they puff up, heat is trapped between their feathers, keeping them warm. If your cockatoo does this, keep him somewhere warm, or at least cover his cage with a sheet or a blanket.
For no reason
Cockatoos do a lot of things for no reason, or probably we (cockatoo keepers) have not interpreted them so far. Similarly, sometimes cockatoos puff their feathers for no reason, which is okay.
What to do if your cockatoo puffs feathers?
If your cockatoo seems sick according to the symptoms mentioned above, immediately consult an avian. Also, consult an avian if you still can’t figure out why.
However, if your cockatoo seems perfectly fine and puffs only for cuddles or for no reason, you don’t need to do anything.
Final Thoughts
I’d be surprised if someone tells me his cockatoo never puffs because every cockatoo sometimes puffs, even if it never gets sick or feels cold. So if your cockatoo sometimes puffs but also looks active, eats well, plays all day, and gives you good company, it is absolutely fine; you don’t need to worry.
