Last Updated on by Mitch Rezman
Mary Writes:
Is it possible that my cockatiel has outgrown her size 5 (medium) flight suit? She was born in Feb. but lately, the suit seems to be harder to get on and “cut” into her shoulders?
Am I being a crazy birdie mom?
Thanks for your advice
Dear Mary
That is a good question.
Cockatiels do have two sizes of Flight Suits to consider.
Young Cockatiels can be small enough that the Medium size suit is too large so the size Small can be used, or a ribbon can be slipped through the straps of a Medium suit and tied behind the head until the bird fills out the Medium suit.
But you say the Medium suit is seemingly getting too tight?
| Cockatiel (small to average with girth = 6.25″ plus babies < six months) | Small |
| Cockatiel (from Australia) | Small |
| Cockatiel (larger with girth = 6.5″) | Medium |
I am going to contact the manufacturer and see what they have to say.
I will get back to you.
mary replied
You are so sweet! Thank you!
Dear Mary
Well, I heard back from the manufacturer. It is a little confusing, but here is her answer.
Hello Catherine, We usually recommend a size “Small” for Cockatiels—so a Medium is definitely large enough—Smalls have a bit longer strap than mediums.
The Flight Suits were resized a couple of years ago for this feature.
I am wondering if she is clipped or fully flighted—that can make a slight difference with putting on the FlightSuits.
Her bird is still a baby—so a Small would be good—
She could use some adhesive moleskin under the straps is she wants to be super careful—or she could get a Small and see if the little longer strap works better.
Peace, Lorraine Moore at Avian Fashions
I was still confused because I would think the Small would not be the direction to go as the bird is in a Medium now.
So I asked her to clarify.
She called me and told me, the Small suit is smaller side to side, but the straps are longer.
The Medium suit is a bit wider side to side which works well with egg-laying tiels.
So, basically, you could try a Small suit for the longer straps, or if you are at all handy with sewing perhaps use a shoelace or something to replace the straps on the Medium.
If the feathers are not damaged on the shoulders due to the straps, the Medium should be fine. She will adjust her body in the suit.
I hope this helps.
Catherine
Hello and thanks for such excellent service.
My birds wings haven’t been clipped and not sure I want to do that.
As she is a size 5 are you saying the next size up is a Small? Medium? I will be taking her for car rides and know it has to be secure but it does seem the straps are cutting into her shoulders.
What do you think, please?
Mary and Kukla!
I think size 5 is the Medium as what you were sent.
If you feel the Medium is too small, most likely just in the strap area and the body of it is larger than for the Small size, then you may wish to either alter the straps to make them longer or order a small flight suit.
Mary replied
I’m not sure how I can alter the straps to make them longer??
If I have already a medium/size 5 I’m confused why I would buy a Small flight suit?
I need a large right?
Thx for your patience.
Dear Mary
Please review this thread
“I was still confused because I would think the Small would not be the direction to go as the bird is in a Medium now.
So I asked her to clarify.
She called me and told me, the Small suit is smaller side to side, but the straps are longer.
The Medium suit is a bit wider side to side which works well with egg-laying tiels”.
So, basically, you could try a Small suit for the longer straps, or if you are at all handy with sewing perhaps use a shoelace or something to replace the straps on the Medium.
If the feathers are not damaged on the shoulders due to the straps, the Medium should be fine. She will adjust her body in the suit.”
I hope this helps.
mary replied
Ok well let me think about this and I am not handy with sewing so I will yet her suit in tonight and make my decision.
Thank you for such detailed help!!
Mary replied
Hello,
Is it too late to add a size Small flight suit to my order I placed yesterday! 🙂
Mary
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