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Birds--General/lovebird changing color

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Expert: - 11/26/2006


Question
Ihave a pair of 7 yr. old peach faced lovebirds. Recently the female moulted and her new feathers are growing back orange! Her back, chest, back of her head, and legs are completely mottled with orange feathers. Could it be medical?     Puzzled in Newfoundland, Canada.

Answer
Hi, Phyllis.  Thanks for posting!

This is a new one on me!  Peachfaced lovebirds are supposed to have some orange on them, but I've never known them to change color like you describe at 7 years of age.  Are you talking about a lot of orange or just light orange shades here and there?  Are you positive of the female's age?  Everything about a bird's feathers are related to health, so it could be health related, but I'd have to know/see the extent of the change in order to advise further.  

Chrys

Birds--General

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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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