feathers not growing back during the winter

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feathers not growing back during the winter

by Bonita Dubil
(Hamburg, NY USA)

My Eclectus male is close to 9 years old. He was in perfect feather and very shiny during his first 7 years, during which he refused all fruits and veggies no matter how I steamed, or served them. Then two years ago he started loving them and over half of his diet is fruits, grains and veggies. The other 1/3 or so is Pretty Bird pellets for Eclectus parrots.

Around the same time as he started eating everything I offer, he molted and the feathers did not starting growing in until the following summer. I am inclined to think that this might be lack of lighting rather then diet. He has a very large cage which is right next to a window, but due to all of the trees that have grown much taller over the years, there is little light coming in.
I would like to know if this lack of light could be the problem? There is no avian vet in my area to ask.

Thanks,
Bonita Dubil

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feathers not growing back during the winter

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Oct 03, 2011

two things missing
by: Bonnie

Thanks Tracy. I will continue my search for a vet who knows this species, as their needs are quite different from other parrots (I used to breed others). I can't believe I forgot the lighting needs, but it's been a long time since I breed parrots. The other issue is spraying. The Eclectus requires much more spraying them most, and it is difficult in the winter, as the cage is located in my kitchen which tends to be cold. So, I have decided to take him into the warm bathroom for regular spraying. Many Eclectus owners take their birds in the shower with them every day, but mine goes crazy with fear if I even turn the shower on. I think spraying/drying in the bathroom and the lighting change will make the difference, as everything else remains the same from winter to summer.

Sep 30, 2011

Feathers not growing back
by: Tracie

It could be something in the diet, it could be environment, it could be a health issue. You really need to Find an Avian Vet for your bird to determine what is causing this.

Call a breeder in your area and ask what avian vet they use. If they don't have a vet, they are not a reputable breeder, so keep calling until you find one that has an avian vet for their birds.

Some areas that don't have a vet in the phone book get a traveling avian vet that comes a few times a year. Where I live we have a "visiting" avian vet that comes 3 times a year. I wouldn't know that if I didn't know a reputable breeder.

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