fatty deposit and feather loss

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fatty deposit and feather loss

by Roanna Elliott
(Kansas)

Thank you for taking the time to consider this question. I have a female cockatiel about 6 years old. She acts like she feels fine but for several months has been almost bald on her chest. She doesn't seem to be picking at herself. Also has a fatty deposit on lower chest by her leg.

I feed her seed with vitamins added that I get from a bird store. I am concerned that her feathers don't seem to be growing back and the fatty thing bothers me. I am sure not a bird expert but I love this one. Should I be concerned about this and do you have any suggestions. If you think pictures would help I can try to get them but I live alone and it would take an extra set of hands. Thank you, Roanna

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fatty deposit and feather loss

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Jan 02, 2012

Cockatiel possible tumor and feather loss
by: Tracie

Dr B can not tell if your bird has an illness, disease, tumor or what over the Internet, even with pictures. I am sorry, but you will have to Find an Avian Vet to examine your bird in person to determine what is wrong and what the treatment needs to be.

Feeding your bird an all seed diet will cause fatty liver disease and an early death. Don't feel bad that you didn't know this, neither did I until an avian vet educated me.

Your bird should be eating 80% healthy pellets like Harrison's or Roudybush and only about 20% healthy treats and that includes some seed.

It may take up to a year to get your bird to eat pellets, and since your bird is likely ill, do not try to convert your bird until it has been seen by an avian vet.

Once your bird has been treated by an avian vet you can read our Switching Birds To Pellets article to help get your bird eating a healthy diet. Do NOT purchase the colored pellets or cheap pellets with sugar and chemicals in them, they will only add to your bird's poor health issues.

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