The crest is a moment, the record is a trend
A crest held high usually means surprise or focus; a half-lowered crest often shows a familiar, relaxed state. No single crest position tells you about health.
What belongs in a record is the pattern that lasts: a crest flat for days, or familiar calls that stopped.
- Learn the startled crest and the everyday crest
- Note calls that disappear
- Watch for repeated night thrashing
- Ask how many days it has lasted
What weight tells you
Thick feathers hide condition. moimoi shows weight against a species reference range, and for cockatiels that range is 80-125g.
The range describes the species, not your bird. Even inside it, a steady decline from your bird's own baseline is the more important signal.
A dusty species needs air
Cockatiels produce a fine feather powder. Keep them in a room where air moves and wipe the area around the cage often.
Never point a draft at the cage. Keep cooking smoke, sprays, and strongly scented products out of the room.
- Airy room, no direct draft
- Wipe around the cage often
- Cook and spray elsewhere
- Move the bird out while cleaning
Call the clinic when things differ
If breathing, appetite, droppings, or movement change suddenly or stay different, contact a clinic that treats birds. This guide does not replace diagnosis or treatment.