PARROT FEATHERS – In the wild, sick parrots are the target of predators, so parrots hide the appearance of the disease as long as they are able to do so. As the disease progresses, their feathers begin to fall off, they become more lethargic, they do not have the strength to stand upright or take off. All these are signs that indicate that the bird is very sick.
HEALTH AND PARROT FEATHERS
It is the same with domestic birds, and they hide all the signs of the disease, so the owners have the duty to recognize the first signs of the disease and react in time so as not to be left without their beloved pet. The two most important things that can give us an insight into the health of a bird are their weight and the quantity and quality of their feces. In addition, if you notice unusual changes in your parrot’s feathers, it can be a sign that something is wrong with his health.
Your parrot’s feathers should be bright, they should be healthy and the bird should move them precisely. If this is not the case, it could be a sign of illness. Also, if you notice that your bird’s feathers are dirty, stiff and getting weaker, it could be a sign to consult a veterinarian. If you notice that your bird is not caring enough for its feathers, or if you notice any of the following signs you should consult a veterinarian.
Dry and brittle feathers – feathers must not be dry and stiff. If there is a problem of moisture in the house, it can lead to dry feathers as well as cracking of the skin and various infections.
Blurred color of feathers – if the bird does not get enough sunlight and vitamin D3 feathers can become grayish in color. It is recommended to keep your parrot’s cage in a semi-sunny place in the house in order to be sufficiently exposed to the sun and daylight, because vitamin D3 is very important for the absorption of calcium in the diet. If you notice black spots or lines on the feathers or other color of the feathers, it is most likely an irregular or inadequate diet and you need to consult a veterinarian about it.
Stress strips – are strips of colored parts or structurally weakened lines that can be seen passing through the feathers. In younger birds, the most common cause of these bands is the appearance of temperature. In older birds, this can indicate a bigger problem such as emotional stress or inadequate nutrition. Rarely, antibiotics can affect the appearance of these bands.
Damaged feathers – Sometimes damaged feathers can be the result of a bird falling into a cage. If you often find damaged feathers, check your bird’s legs and see if there are any injuries or any pressure that makes it difficult for it to stand. Also, night terrors can be a cause of feather damage.
Dark feathers – most often indicates an excess of fat in the blood. The cause of this is usually a poor diet. Dark feathers can indicate a more serious problem in the diet and it is necessary to consult a veterinarian.
Greasy feathers – If you notice that your bird’s feathers are too greasy, it is almost always a liver problem. If you react immediately and consult a veterinarian, you will increase the chances of your bird surviving because the liver does not repair itself so easily.
Moulting – changing feathers is a natural process in birds. If you notice new and healthy feathers it would mean that your bird has overcome feather and health problems if it has had them. Moulting can be a long process, so check your bird regularly to notice any possible problems.
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