Balding Conure. Tips?

[Banner]

Hey guys. I have a green cheek conure named Banner. He's just over 5 months old now and I've noticed the tips of his feathers have been turning black and hes been loosing feathers for about a week. I found a bald spot on his head today. I read that this could be from a lack of nutrients in his diet. Does anyone have any suggestions on what to feed him?

Currently he gets his normal seed diet with mixed seeds and a couple apple slices a week. He also gets mineral drops in his water daily.

Please help. Poor guy is looking rough and he's my first bird.
Thank you!

 

[clark_conure]

slowly switch him over to pellets, pellets are much more better. Keep giving fruit, any type. Look for foods high in vitamin A. More people will be on shortly for more/better advice.

 

[Squeekmouse]

Agreed with Clark, definitely switch him to pellets.



You can expect his feathers to get a little dark and then lose them as he molts and grows his new adult feathers, but the balding sound worrisome. Has he seen a vet yet? Make sure it's a Certified Avian Vet, he should have a checkup once a year.



Here are some helpful links:


http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html


http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-food-recipes-diet/28242-ingredients-pellets.html

 

[BoomBoom]

In addition to pellets, add fresh fruits and veggies. Introduce loads of these to your bird. Start with (but don't limit yourself to) stuff loaded in Vitamin A such as red bell pepper, cantaloupe, kale, cooked sweet potato, brocolli. Captive parrots are the most deficient in vitamin A. There are other vitamins and minerals they need of course but for starters and as a staple to his the produce part of his diet - you can't go wrong with those items. (Edit: I see it's been mentioned by Clark above as well).

Could you please post photos of the loose feathers (focusing on the sheathe) the balding head and the blackened feathers still on the bird?