Cockatiels experience moments of panic when they think they see movement, or are startled when it is too dark for them to see. These fits include flying around the cage, freaking out, sometimes squawking or screaming. These can be extremely dangerous; amiss their panic, they may bump into the cage or a perch too hard and break a blood feather, which can cause them to bleed to death!
The easiest way to prevent night frights is to provide a night light near their cage, so they can see. If you hear your birds having a night fright, you can calm them down by turning on a light and talking soothingly to them. Be sure to inspect them for any injuries.
If they do break a blood feather, the fastest and safest way to stop the bleeding is to pull out said feather. Simply firmly (but gently) hold the bird, and pluck out the feather, going in the direction that it is growing. Put either corn starch or, if you have it, Qwick Stop powder on any place that is bleeding. Watch for any signs of illness or unusual behavior, and when in doubt, TAKE THE BIRD TO THE VET!
The easiest way to prevent night frights is to provide a night light near their cage, so they can see. If you hear your birds having a night fright, you can calm them down by turning on a light and talking soothingly to them. Be sure to inspect them for any injuries.
If they do break a blood feather, the fastest and safest way to stop the bleeding is to pull out said feather. Simply firmly (but gently) hold the bird, and pluck out the feather, going in the direction that it is growing. Put either corn starch or, if you have it, Qwick Stop powder on any place that is bleeding. Watch for any signs of illness or unusual behavior, and when in doubt, TAKE THE BIRD TO THE VET!