Posted by Seaneroo on Fri, 04/11/2008 - 14:11 :: Cockatiels
My cockatiel is a little over one year old. She is a Cinammon white-faced pearl, which means she is mostly white with brown pearling, primarily on her wings. She also has some more very light, sold brown coloring on her chest and abdomen. Her face and head, until recnely, have been completely white.

A few weeks ago, she started developing some pinkish coloring around her mouth, extending to the eyes, and on the head just above the eyes and beak.

I am a relatively new bird owner. I don't know if this is normal or a sign of some health and/or nutrition problem. Can someone familiar with this phenomenon please advise me?

Thank you!
Posted by karen on Sun, 04/13/2008 - 20:31.
Is the pink coloring on the feathers or from seeing pink skin showing through?
If it is on the feathera, I would guess what you're seeing is most likely staining of the feathers - possibly blood but (if you don't see any sign of a wound or broken bloodfeather) it is more likely to be dye from a red toy or newspaper ink.
Most colored wooden bird toys are colored with water soluble dyes which can bleed. If your cockatiel has been shredding or rubbing her head on a red toy or paper she could easily be just picking up some of the dye.

Karen
Chico (conure) and Pippin (budgie)
WI