Sun-Day Conure missing feathers, overnight

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Sun-Day Conure missing feathers, overnight

by Mandy
(New Richmond, OH)

My Sun-Day Conure (hybrid) was missing his grown feathers (sorry not sure of correct terminology) and was only showing the white down feathers on his chest and belly. I thought maybe this was because he was stressed so I made a point to get him foraging toys and make sure he has more time out of his cage and his feathers improved and within a week they had grown back.

Then one night I wasn't able to let him out and I noticed the next night that he was back to only the white down feathers. Are they that sensitive? Any suggestions?

This is my first conure and comparing them to my dobermans I find it commical how alike they are so I understand they are not the easiest, I'm just not sure what else I can do with him. He doesn't seem interested in games and such just hanging out and being destructive and talking/mimicking us. Thank you.

Comments for
Sun-Day Conure missing feathers, overnight

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Nov 05, 2010

Conure losing feathers suddenly
by: The Avian Vet

This sounds like a case of feather plucking. The down feathers are showing because the contour feathers have been pulled out. Feather plucking can be caused by many things. Boredom may be the cause in your bid, but there are so many other possibilities. For example if the cage is too small. A conure cage should be 24 x 24 or larger.

It could be diet. Your bird should be on an 80% pellet diet, like Harrison's. He should not be exposed to tobacco smoke. He needs full spectrum lighting. He could have a bad wing clip. And the possibilities are nearly endless.

I recommend that you take you bird to an avian veterinarian for a work up to be sure it is not a medical condition. I have also attached an article that may help.

I know what you mean. The best dog is a Dobermann [sic]; I have had the all my life.

Feather Damaging Behavior article

Dr B

Find an Avian Vet

Oct 30, 2010

Sun-Day Conure missing feathers, overnight
by: Linda

First and foremost, you need to take your bird to be examined by an Avian Vet in your driving area. It is possible this is more than stress and a real physical illness or other physical condition. Avian Vet can do a throat swab to check for bacterial infection and basic bloodwork to check for Viral infection and any problems with organ function.

Your parrot is about as different from the Dobies as daylight and dark. Parrots have roughly the emotional/mental development of 4-5 year old human children and behave like children all their lives. They have to have new toys at least once every two months. Older toys that are not destroyed can be recycled. They just need to see new things on a regular basis. Parrots need wooden toys they can chew on, and the harder woods are very good for beak conditioning.

Your bird's diet will either destroy or enhance his skin and feathers. We recommend one of the organic pellets that are carried here. All seed diets are very low quality diets that do not deliver even basic proteins and have way too much fat not to mention no vitamins and minerals. Here is a link on how to change birds over to pellets, and get the organic so you are not paying for pesticide/fertilizer residue, dye and preservatives all killers of birds. FIRST, PLEASE TAKE HIM TO AVIAN VET to make sure he is not ill or suffering some other physical problem before any changes in diet. Also never feed people food in any form as it is usually junk food with lots of sugar, salt and fat which are all poison for birds. Feed birds high quality bird food and a bit of organic fruit or veggies a few times a week.
Switching Birds to Pellets article.

Find an Avian Vet

Linda

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