it has been mostly when he ruffles his feathers
OK, you're going to do some emergency first aid for him, but most of all you need to keep him calm by staying very calm yourself .
First, with a clean cotton ball or soft cloth, apply pressure to the end of the feather while securely holding the bird and preventing any flapping or stress.
You can apply corn starch to the end as a sort of ‘stop bleed’ product (safer for a bird than styptic powder). Regular flour will do in a pinch.
If after about a minute there is no change and the feather continues to bleed, it’s going to need to be removed. You need to be calm and quick.
Using a pair of (preferably) needle nosed pliers or other slender tipped pliers, firmly grasp the bleeding feather as far down the shaft and close to where it’s growing from as possible. Smoothly, in one move, pull the feather in the direction it’s growing. Don’t ‘pluck’ it, but more ‘glide’ it out.
This should stop the bleeding almost immediately, but apply some pressure for about a minute afterward to be sure. Then give your bird some quiet time to relax and for you to be able to observe. If bleeding starts again, use the corn starch and pressure to stop and be sure the blood feather is fully removed.
It’s important to note that if the feather is not removed, but the bleeding just stopped, you must closely monitor the bird until that feather naturally falls out over the next few days. The clot will have a tendency to break open and the bleeding will start again as long as the feather is connected to the blood supply. Removal is the safest option.
If your bird doesn’t seem to recover soon or shows signs of weakness, loss of balance, lethargy, etc. – don’t waste any time getting veterinary intervention. It’s always better safe than sorry.
For more, click here:
Blood Feather
And this is another great info page (not just for cockatiels) Blood Feather 2
Own Animal Care & wildlife habitat
Animal Rescue&Care Org Owner; Animal Care author; Animal Behavior Consults.;Cert. Avian Specialist;