Black bars

[TahitisMom]

Ok Im not a bird expert, but I have had Tahiti for a while and I get mixed signals about "black Bars" ( I believe they are called that). I will post a picture with this, I know they are related to stress but he seems just fine, he plays, eats, and acts completely normal. I had someone a while back make me feel horrible because I am apparently "stressing" my bird out.....I just wanted an opinion from the forums because you have all been very friendly and helpful. Also one more question since I have this thread up, to all my Senegal experts does anyone know if he will ever get the yellow ring around his eye? It hasn't happened yet and some people say it takes along time others say it doesn't?

 

[henpecked]

I think your referring to "stress bars". The black bars are part of natural coloration and have NOTHING to do with stress or diet.You could goggle stress bars in parrots and get a picture of what that looks like.

 

[TahitisMom]

Ah ok yea that's the term im looking for I apologize :/ I knew I got the term wrong.

 

[henpecked]

Not a problem, BTW i see no signs of stress bars in your bird.

 

[TahitisMom]

Ok thank you for looking I appreciate it, I don't know why someone would insist he has them....but again thank you for clarifying that for me much appreciated.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

When was the last molt? That looks like normal wear and tear to me, it seems to happen in the smaller greenish birds more for some reason.

What's his diet? The higher quality the diet the less that is likely to happen.

 

[TahitisMom]

Honestly he has not molted in a while.....he is on zupreeme pellets with island treat fruit and nut blend as his dry mix. He also gets some fruits and veggies once a day its also mixed w brown rice,and whole wheat pasta. He is a picky eater he is not into veggies and fruits much but he's been getting better with it since i eat it in front of him.

 

[MonicaMc]

I would say the correct term is "feather bronzing" - not stress bars.

Feather bronzing occurs when the pigment on the feathers has been rubbed off, leaving a "bronzing" effect. It can be due to over preening, rough playing, too much petting, petting with oily/greasy hands, poor diet, lack of full spectrum lighting (some believe), etc.

 

[riddick07]

My green cheek male had the black stress bars when I first got him and he was on Zupreem. I switched him to Birds Paradise mix and TOPS pellets and he no longer gets the black markings on his feathers. I don't think they are actually from stress most of the time but more to do with diet. He also gets fresh foods and birdie bread but he got that from the breeder too so I always thought it was from the Zupreem pellets.

 

[TahitisMom]

My green cheek male had the black stress bars when I first got him and he was on Zupreem. I switched him to Birds Paradise mix and TOPS pellets and he no longer gets the black markings on his feathers. I don't think they are actually from stress most of the time but more to do with diet. He also gets fresh foods and birdie bread but he got that from the breeder too so I always thought it was from the Zupreem pellets.

I may try switching his pellets than see if it changes that

 

[riddick07]

Hopefully switching pellets will make them molt out! I think it took my guy two molts for them to be all gone. I prefer TOPs because they are organic and use great ingredients.

 

[SoCalWendy]

Rio my Sennie was on a all seed diet and had stress bars. Since she has been with with since may 2013 she has been on Harrison's, Nurtiberries, fresh fruit, veggies, and volkman feather glow soak and serve. She is doing great. Through her moulting her feather are in pristine condition. I would love to try TOPS, but it's not sold near me and to buy a 1lb bag that costs about 5.00, costs 13.00 to ship it

 

[TahitisMom]

Could I use harrisons instead of tops its a lil cheaper? I don't know if it makes a huge difference I know harrisons is pretty good.

 

[MonicaMc]

It's what I'm currently using.



Harrison's recommends their high potency line for 6-8 months, then switching to the adult lifetime from there.