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Birds--General/White feathers

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Expert: - 12/16/2006


Question
I have a yellow parakeet and recently she molted and lost a lot of feathers, and some have come back white-tipped and frayed looking. She had an infection on her oil gland on her tail but it looks better now. I don't know if that has anything to do with it but if anyone knows anything about this, please let me know.  

Answer
Hi, Carly.  Thanks for posting!

You sent your question to me only...not a group of people.  If you want other opinions, you'll need to ask other people on this website.

An infection could have something to do with it if the infection spread throughout the bird's body.  However, more likely, these feathers are the result of poor diet, stress-related problems, or something else affecting the bird's entire body.  If you can provide any other details along these lines, I might be able to shed some more light on the problem.  The more information I have, the better I'm able to help.

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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