I don't think it's age-related. He's probably still grieving. He's going to act differently in so many ways as he copes with the changes in his life. This is probably one of those things.

Keep offering him the foods he used to eat. Just in case he some day changes his mind and wants them again. Keep an eye on him, make sure he's not sick.

Other than that, just love him no matter what. It's all we can do in these situations.


Mirrors aren't generally a great idea for tiels, especially younger ones ... but for an older tiel who isn't tame, and is lonely it's not necessarily a bad idea, either. I'm thinking of trying this for Tweets.

If you do this, you have to make sure he's still eating, that he likes the mirror, but isnt' too obsessed. Tweets sings to Solomon who is in another cage and has a mate, and it bothers Solomon, who is 30 plus years old, blind, and doesn't know what the heck is going on with this bird screeching and singing at him on the other side of the cage. So I may try a mirror. Tweets isn't tame. He lived without bird companionship for many years, until I got him. His pal at a former home passed, and he ws lonely, so eventually he ended up here and after quarantine, he and Riley instantly bonded.


I'm like you, Tweets isn't tame. He's older, over 20. He hangs out near me, sings to my feet and shoes, but will not allow me to try to pet him. I can tell he gets lonely. I haven't noticed a diet change, but he and Riley did stop eating the healthy bread about 6 months ago. I was never sure why. I think they just got tired of it.

Have a radio or the TV playing for him, especially if you have to go out for work, or something. And you might want to try the mirror, but if he gets upset or starts any obsessive behaviors, you can remove it. I thought at least for Tweets, I'd put it in to see if it helps. Still thinking about it.