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Birds--General/My indian ringneck has lost his tail feathers

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Expert: - 2/3/2008


Question
My indian ringnecks wings grew back fast over christmas and unfortunately he took off from my shoulder and landed in the next door neighbours yard and got chased by the dog.  He has lost both his beautiful long tail feathers.  He is 3 years old.  Will they grow back? And will this mess with his balance? We are very distraught but he seems perfectly fine other then missing his tail.

Answer
Hi, Kimberley,

Yes, they will grow back.  Any time a feather comes out, another feather will grow back in its place (unless the feather folicle has been permanently damaged, as with a bird that is a serious feather plucker).  Lack of tail feathers may hinder your bird's ability to land properly when he flies, but it really won't hinder his balance, as far as being able to walk straight, etc.  You really need to be careful with birds taken outside.

Chrys

Birds--General

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Chrys Meatyard

Expertise

I`ve been raising/breeding/handfeeding/selling parrots for over 20 years (parakeets/budgies, cockatiels, 6 subspecies of conures, parrotlets, amazons, lovebirds, etc.). I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England. I can provide advice in raising healthy birds, handfeeding/weaning babies, some health problems (although I'm NOT an avian veterinarian), nail/beak/wing clipping, general husbandry, etc. I also have experience with racing/showing homing pigeons. I cannot diagnose specific illness over this website. If you suspect your bird is ill or if you have an emergency, contact an avian veterinarian or emergency pet clinic ASAP.

Experience

Experience: Over 20 years raising parrots and over 13 years raising pigeons. Organizations: Currently, American Racing Pigeon Union and American Federation of Aviculture. Prior member Miami Valley Bird Club, Southern Ohio Pigeon Association, National Cockatiel Society, Miami Valley Sportsman's Club, others. Publications: Monthly newsletters of bird clubs.

Publications
I've been published in "Budgies" and "Cockatiels" offered by Bow Tie Productions, and have written avian articles for publication in England.

Education/Credentials
American Federation of Aviculture, completed Level I course, Fundamentals of Aviculture. Keeping/breeding parrots and other birds for over 20 years.

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