1st molting? in blue crowns?

[KoaBird]

Hello All!

A few months ago I lost my beloved green cheek conure, its been sometime now and have since decided to get another bird
I went to a reputable aviary and purchased a blue crown conure, he hatched 3/21/2012 and well I am a bit confused for the past few days he seems kinda down, pretty quiet and sleepy most of the time. He seems to be picking some down feathers (grey n fluffy). I was wondering if someone had any information on 1st molting, I keep reading up that around 6 or so months this is common but is it common for there behavior to change, he still shows plenty of interest in food, water and does vocalize when he sees me daily but exhibts "down" kinda behavior..............lil worried since my last conure died suddenly . THanks all for the input!

 

[BoomBoom]

Hmm I don't have hard facts but I can tell you my experience with Boomer who is roughly the same age as your bird.

He is into heavy molting now but his energy level is the same, on rare days, he may not be as voracious. He could be a little more screechy and nippy at times. He is never sleepy or withdrawn though.

Low energy in birds, from what I read could be a sign of sickness but I hate pushing that idea into bird owners because I know how it feels to worry. Does he respond when you try to play with him or offer him treats? Does it take him out of his down mood? Would offering a bath maybe relieve him of some discomfort from molting? How is his diet?

If you want peace of mind, considering what you had gone through with your former buddy, you might want to check in with a vet. Hope someone else can offer more advice.

 

[ann]

like boomboom said, i would give him a bath. i would also suggest a vet checkup, and if you dont already, feed him fresh fruit and veggies. let us know hoe he goes

 

[AFP520]

Showers are the best for molts. It softens and will help them break the new pin feathers a bit easier.

If that is not an option, head to your local convenience store and pickup one of those spray bottles.

 

[KoaBird]

He sleeps alot.......... we recently went on a trip to SC and he tagged along he was with me for long periods of time I think maybe he's depressed. He is eating, he just scarfed down an orange slice and is eating his normal food and drinking water. She just has no interest in much, I say step up and he just sits there like hes gloomy. I am taking him to the vet today unfortunately 1st appoitnment is pm at the same place where my conure went right before he passed away

Hmm I don't have hard facts but I can tell you my experience with Boomer who is roughly the same age as your bird.

He is into heavy molting now but his energy level is the same, on rare days, he may not be as voracious. He could be a little more screechy and nippy at times. He is never sleepy or withdrawn though.

Low energy in birds, from what I read could be a sign of sickness but I hate pushing that idea into bird owners because I know how it feels to worry. Does he respond when you try to play with him or offer him treats? Does it take him out of his down mood? Would offering a bath maybe relieve him of some discomfort from molting? How is his diet?

If you want peace of mind, considering what you had gone through with your former buddy, you might want to check in with a vet. Hope someone else can offer more advice.

 

[BoomBoom]

Hope everything turns out well. Sending good vibes to you and your bird. Update us please!

 

[KoaBird]

Last night I had to take my beloved bird to the vets, thank god for late hour appointments. The prognosis is malnutrition, this is completely my fault as it seems that he has been picking at his food. I believe I got him into the vet in time as they are tube feeding him and he is up and around but still weak. I can't help but feel 100% responsible for this, its torture but trying to stay positive at least I know now what the problem is and I am being educated by a vet not avian sales person. I keep hearing to use Harrison's and so Harrison's it will be as from what I am being told birds do very well on this diet. As of now he is at the hospital where they will keep him until he can regain strength.

 

[BoomBoom]

I'm glad they were able to diagnose him in time. Hoping for a speedy recovery.

May I ask what his diet was like? What pellet were you using? What is the ratio of fresh produce, seeds, nuts and pellets? It will be good, helpful information to everyone. Me especially since I'm always re-evaluating how to best approach Boomer's diet.

Thanks in advance and thank you for the update. Hope all will be well with your bird from here on

 

[KoaBird]

Well I was informed by the breeder that HIggins fruit to nuts and Oven Fresh Bites for medium parrot is what i have been feeding him but as it turns out hes been eating what he wants and not enough of what he needs. I was informed by the vet that he should be 80% or so pellet, they suggested I switch to Harrison Diet blend which is what they were feeding him at the office. They have been feeding him via tube giving him vitamins and keeping him hydrated but he is still weak he was really underweight but by the time I left he seemed to be more perky I guess 4 hours of alone time has helped him since hes in a place hes not familiar with. I am hoping he pulls through and comes home, its a tough thing to experience but I can only hope the vets do there job.

 

[AFP520]

I have read a lot about pellets since we brought Lucy home. We tried to switch her to mostly pellets, and she wasn't really having it. So now we mix them with a custom blend of food and she definitely eats them.

 

[kc_y0]

Wishing your bird a speedy recovery, hope he pulls through fine! Let us know how he goes!

 

[KoaBird]

......my beloved Nani, is gone. All I have are fond memories of a cuddly and loving bird. I know god must love you because he took you from me today.

 

[BoomBoom]

I'm so sorry

It's hard to believe this was because of malnutrition. There's so many birds fed nothing but seeds and they are fine, not the best of health but not manourished. Did they give you any other explanation? I thought she was doing ok...

Sorry you're hurting. Hope you feel better. Nani was so cute.

 

[kc_y0]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. She was beautiful.

 

[KoaBird]

This is so utterly painful, I can not begin to describe how sad I am. I left him after they drew blood, he was in such a weak state they had to do it for the sake of finding a cure. He was returned to me after blood was drawn, he spent several hours with me and my fiance....weak as he was he still called to me when he saw me he became excited and climbed on to my shoulder. I am so torn apart right now.........I hope the blood he gave will shed a light on his killer.

 

[BoomBoom]

I hope so too. Hope you feel better, Koa.

 

[KoaBird]

Time will heal wounds, but I will never forget him. He was a loving baby and will forever live in my heart. I think in the near future I will look into rescues, and helping other birds that have been given up on left to just go. I think it's time I say thank you to my birds that are gone by helping others in need. Birds truly are amazing creatures and have changed my life.