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Birds--General/green cheeked conure
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Question
I have a few month old green cheeked conure that we bought at a pet store.
he's been fine up until now, we feed him pallets and seeds and fresh fruits and sometimes vegetables(he doesn’t like them too much) Recently though he began to pluck his feathers, and some might be falling out, I found one of his long tail feathers on the floor. His beak looks almost like its cracked like it as an overlap that growing underneath. I don’t know what’s wrong. He’s still supposed to grow an inch or two, could this be the reason, or could he be sick or could it be that he’s not getting enough vitamins, minerals like calcium?
Hi, Alex. Thanks for posting your questions.
Since your bird is so young, I recommend you take s/he to a bird vet (not a cat/dog vet, but an exotic animal vet that treats birds) for an evaluation. Plucking of feathers is a serious problem and usually doesn't affect such a young bird. I could explain some feather loss as molting, as it's molting season for birds. However, a cracked beak, especially with an overgrowth, is something serious, as it could affect your birds ability to eat and survive if not treated if/as necessary by a bird vet. Your bird might have several things going on at the same time, so the best thing for the bird's sake is to have s/he seen by an avian veterinarian as soon as possible.
Chrys
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Answers by Expert:
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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