Bent Feather

[SharonC]

Fred dropped this this AM during his shower. He's not sick, as far as I can see. I remember reading something about a bent feather being linked to Beak and Feather disease? Can a bent feather just get bent from wear and tear?

 

[Von1983]

Can you see if any of his other feathers are bent?

Ooooh I hate not knowing more about this! I've read that it can also be an indicator if new feathers are not coming in relatively symmetrically but......

I'm sure someone will put your mind at ease here, Fred always looks the picture of health and if all his other feathers look fine then I'm sure it's just one of those things.

 

[SharonC]

He's got a couple of tail feathers that look rather "worn" where the feather part, not the shaft, looks ragged. Oh dear....I'm getting a little worried...

 

[Von1983]

Worn tail feathers.....?

Like where they are sort of seperatey looking?

If so, Cal has that EVERY morning! She literally rolls around in her cozzy hut and comes out all mussed up, then preens! She does it in the day too - is it that sort of thing?

 

[SharonC]

Yes, kind of seperated looking but it doesn't get preened away...

 

[Von1983]

I seeeeee!

He's moulting now though?

If so, maybe that could be it....?

 

[nofearengineer]

Sharon, how much does he bathe?

I would think that the end of their tail would be the feathers most susceptible to getting dirty. In which case the barbs on the feathers wouldn't want to mesh, giving them the tattered look.

I know all about this look, as Bitty's whole rear half is tattered. I can't wait until I can get her into a shower.

 

[Von1983]

I think nofear is right. They DO get tatty and if he's dropping them, they're probably ready to come out...be a bit stange for them to be in "mint condish" as we say over here!

If it's just the one actual bent feather you can see, he could have damaged the shaft as a baby on just that ONE feather.....can't say I'd be surprised with our inquisitive Fred!

I've just refreshed myself on PBFD and it is unusual for an adult bird to have just one symptom if I understand correctly.

Fred certainly isn't "depressed" or "lethargic" for example....

 

[SharonC]

No...he's definitely not lethargic! LOL! He showers twice per week. He falls sometimes when he plays vigourously...maybe that's how he bent it. All feathers look symetrical to me.....He looks quite healthy. Maybe I'm worrying over nothing.

 

[Von1983]

Just searched for "curved" feather rather than "bent" which threw up broken feathers.....

To cut a long story short (the thread wasn't just about a bent feather) there were two people saying that their birds had over preened a particular or a few particular feathers so when they moulted, they appeared bent or curved.

This makes HUGE sense to me and what's going on with our Fred!

If you watch a bird preen, they pull their tail feathers into almost a C shape, yes? So, if Fred had something stuck on his feather one time, he could have pulled and pulled and pulled?

Also they were saying that their AV's said it was a behavioural thing (don't worry, there was other factors too so it doesn't have to apply to Fred) like swapping a toy in one persons case. I doubt he would have this with you, but maybe the previous owner.....?

To add the final piece in my mind (tell me if I'm wrong in fitting this together haha!) it would also explain Freds "tatty" feathers. If he preened due to a bit of unhappiness in his previous home, he probably says to himself: Meh, it'll be fine! And doesn't preen like he used to?

I hope to goodness that made some sense!!!!

I hope someone else with experience of this can help, if not Sharon, I can easily give my AV a call for some advice in the morning if you are still worried, no trouble.

I'm certain there is a simple reason for this!

Speak tomorrow, I'm sorry, I must dash now xx

 

[Spiritbird]

Sharon Here is my input. When a bird gets a bent feather they will usually take care if it themselves. If there are indicators of pain or bleeding then Freddie should see a professional. Tail feathers are usually tattered looking, especially with active birds which he is. You have no other indicators this is anything more than a bent feather so rest easy. Do you give him any supplement for feather health?? I give rosie red palm oil in her food and it makes the beak and feathers very healthy looking. I would have to research if it would be for Amazons as greys eat it naturally in their diets in the wild.

 

[SharonC]

Ok...all sounds good then. It's nothing to worry about. I wll keep an eye on the rest of his feathers though...just in case. He's playing, laughing, and yelling at the moment...LOL!

Thanks so much everyone! You all know I have no vet, so this forum is a great resource for me!

 

[Pedro]

Sharon, your bird is probably going through it's yearly molt, which would explain losing feathers. As the feathers age they sometimes take on a dull warn appearance. Feathers get bent by getting caught in the cage or falling.

The shaft does not look like a feather from a PBFD bird. So i really think you can stop worrying.

 

[SharonC]

That's good...I do tend to worry about every little thing...I suppose because I have no Avian vet to rely on. I think my heart would break if anything were to happen to Fred. I love all my birds but Fred seems to depend on me more than the others. I'd hate to let him down....

 

[Von1983]

Whew, so glad others agree it's nothing serious!

Sharon, we'd be heartbroken too without our Fred....honestly, he's such a special bird. I knew he wouldn't be so silly as to get sick on you though - he'd never leave you in a hurry!!!!