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Birds--General/health consern

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Expert: - 10/24/2006


Question
Two of my older chicks, five months old are unable to fly. They as of yet to grow tail feathers.Why is this?  I also have an other cluster that are two months old that are perfect. All their feathers were in at a month old and are expert flyers.

Answer
Hi, Terry.  Thanks for posting!

I have no idea why your 5-month old parrots are unable to fly and haven't grown any tail feathers.  I've never run across this in my experiences and have never read anything related.  What type of parrots are these?  Do they have feathers on their wings?What type of diet are they on?  Have you consulted with an avian veterinarian on this?  I need more details about this situation in order to try to help further.

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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