Health question

[pkevinb]

I have a Red Bellied parrot that is molting but I am concerned because it has been going on for some time. He isn't eating quite like he should and his feathers don't look good at all.
He is acting normally, coming out of his cage, vocalizing, posture all seem good and his droppings are normal. Im just a little concerned but I think he is just going through a heavy molt.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[lolsavannahh]

Do you have any pictures? How long exactly? Depending on the parrot, full molts could take months.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

What do you feed him?

[spiritbird]

The birds need proteins during a molt. It would help us to know his diet.

[Lady]

Not that it's related to your statement but..............what's his name???
What has his other molts been like?
How old is he?

I think being concerned is good because they are masters at hiding illness, how is his weight?

[kendrafitz]

If it helps, my GW Rosie molts all year long. Some times heavier than others. But she never gets a break from annoying pin feathers.

[mdg1109]

If it helps, my GW Rosie molts all year long. Some times heavier than others. But she never gets a break from annoying pin feathers.

Ugh Kendra, Charlie has a pin feather right at the base of his neck. I have tried to help him with it but it seems very sensitive and he cries and pushes my hand away when I touch it. :(

[kendrafitz]

It is too sensitive. As it grows out he may want help. When I first started preening Rosie, I would let her tell me where. She would scratch her head or neck. I would ask if she needed help and scratch her and help with pins. She will still show me where by scratching and then looking at me pointedly. :)

[pkevinb]

I feed Imani Zupreem fruitblend and natural pellets. I also provide him with fruits and veggies but he never wants them and will only nibble. When I feed him I give the pellets primarily, some Higgins dried fruit blend, and a tiny amount of seed. I also give him Nutri-berries as a treat.

His weight is normal and he had a great vet check about 3 months ago. The only thing that concerns me is his feathers because they look "frayed" I think is the best word.

The only change in the household has been the addition of a sun conure that can be a little loud, but Imani loves to go and sit near him.

[The Pinkertons]

I feed Imani Zupreem fruitblend and natural pellets. I also provide him with fruits and veggies but he never wants them and will only nibble. When I feed him I give the pellets primarily, some Higgins dried fruit blend, and a tiny amount of seed. I also give him Nutri-berries as a treat.

His weight is normal and he had a great vet check about 3 months ago. The only thing that concerns me is his feathers because they look "frayed" I think is the best word.

The only change in the household has been the addition of a sun conure that can be a little loud, but Imani loves to go and sit near him.
Try adding fresh vegetables rich in Vitamin A such as cooked yams, squash, carrots. Try fresh Apples cut in small cubes, do not give apple seeds they are toxic to birds . Fresh snow peas whole they like to open the pods . Fresh Jalapenos chilies, variety is always a welcome addition to their diet. Would be helpful to post pictures to better assist you with your concerns.
His feathers may be rubbing on the cage bars, how big is the cage, pictures of his housing would be helpful.

[mdg1109]

It is too sensitive. As it grows out he may want help. When I first started preening Rosie, I would let her tell me where. She would scratch her head or neck. I would ask if she needed help and scratch her and help with pins. She will still show me where by scratching and then looking at me pointedly. :)

I actually got to look at it today, it is very pokey and looks quite irritating. I did not try and mess with it just looked at it. As long as I don't touch it Charlie is fine with it, I am going to check it every other day and I figure when he is ready for help with it he will let me know.

I love the relationship you and Rosie have!

[kendrafitz]

Thanks. As the feather grows out the end will become less sensitive. Poor little guy.

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

I feed Imani Zupreem fruitblend and natural pellets. I also provide him with fruits and veggies but he never wants them and will only nibble. When I feed him I give the pellets primarily, some Higgins dried fruit blend, and a tiny amount of seed. I also give him Nutri-berries as a treat.

His weight is normal and he had a great vet check about 3 months ago. The only thing that concerns me is his feathers because they look "frayed" I think is the best word.

The only change in the household has been the addition of a sun conure that can be a little loud, but Imani loves to go and sit near him.

The diet sounds good. Does he have a cuttlefish bone or mineral block to chew on? Cuttlefish bone is an excellent source of calcium, Casper only seems to bother his when he is growing new flight or butt feathers so it seems he instinctively knows when it is good for him.
Casper also goes through scruffy feather periods. He is not keen on being made to stand under the shower but loves being misted with a very fine water spray from a trigger bottle. Some birds just dive into their water bowls - it takes all types I suppose.
As mentioned by others, the next thing you have to look forward to* is an irritable bird with lots of pin feathers. :)

[Lady]

Wonder how Kevin and his flock are doing? Hope the red bellied was just having a messy molt and is doing better now.

[Christinenc2000]

If it helps, my GW Rosie molts all year long. Some times heavier than others. But she never gets a break from annoying pin feathers.

I was so glad to read this. It seems my Blue and Gold does the same thing. At time it appears like his is Molting harder but it seems he always has pin feathers somewhere.

[kendrafitz]

Christine - it's terrible isn't it. I feel for them, they never get a break!

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[Christinenc2000]

I feel bad for him during heavy molt. I found new pin on his head yesterday. Lucky he will let me help open them. He hates water :( Previous owner punished him with spray bottles. He tolerates me spraying him now and I finally get him in the bath room with shower running but after year still no joy on getting him in it lol.

Just glad I am not nuts thinking he is always molting. Nice to find someone else that has the issue

[kendrafitz]

Christine - Oh yes, we share the same issue. I was worried for a while, but it is just the way Rosie is. Right now she has no less than 40 pin feathers in various stages. We are in a heavier molt and she is CRANKY! Can't blame her though.

What is your B&Gs name btw?

Poor guy, that is terrible. Have you had him in the bathroom while you shower? My vet recommended bringing Rosie in the bathroom while I shower. He said since they are flock animals she would probably venture in after a few times. I just put her on the bathroom floor, closed the bathroom door and left the shower door open. Rosie came in 1/2 way through my first shower. No waiting for her. But she was a baby, had no trauma and is generally pretty confident/fearless. Since then she showers with me everyday. If I dare to shower without her, the whole house hears about it. LOL

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