Is my cockatiel having a seizure?

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I have a six months old male cockatiel bought from a shop.  Had him for 4-5 weeks. Over the last couple of weeks he has started this odd behaviour. Whilst on his perch or my shoulder he lays his body almost horizontal, lifts his wings from his body (without spreading them)slightly bounces them and makes squeeky noises without opening his beak.  He becomes really passive and rests his beak on my cheek.  My Avian vet said he hadn't heard of this before but that it may be a calcium deficiency.  I've been giving him suplements but is not improving. He is not interested in any toys and likes to nibble on my jewellry instead which is either white Gold or Silver.
Other than this behaviour' his eating is (too) good and loves to fly about.
Do you know if this normal beahviour?  Thanks in advance

ANSWER: Double check to see if he is a she?! Its usually females that do that.


Hi,

Something like this?

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=MpxHRORdIwQ

Charlotte

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Yes that's the one, but my bird is far cuter ;oP

From my research I thought it was a girl but the vet said it was probably male!  Is there any definate way of checking. S/he also likes to rip my book covers, which I understand is a female nesting thing.

One last thing, I work all day but take him/her out in the morning for an hour and from when I get home for at least three hours and s/he is always very clingy.  Do you think I should get a friend for him?  Opposite or same sex?   Many thanks for being a birdy genius

Answer
Hi there,

Ripping up anything is a parrot thing. Male, female or those yet to decide. They have lots to do in the wild, and being an indoor bird, its just something to do. I don't know of any males that do that behavior.

Send me a couple of photos. Face and rump of your bird, and Ill give it a shot. obliquesuggestion@yahoo.co.uk

Charlotte