Diet affecting coloring...?

[GIJoe]

We have had Silly Squiggy in our home for just over two months now. She was a brilliant white when we got her, and since having her she has gotten a "dirty" tinge to her feathers(mainly the ends)...

She was on a random people food diet, with some Zupreem stuff mixed in. Since we've had her, we've tried fresh veggies(she doesn't care for them much, aside from corn), and we have zupreem fruit looking food, along with the stuff from MsBs(dried veggies and another seed mix)...

So, how much does diet affect their appearance, and is there something in particular she is lacking, or getting too much of, that would give this tinge?
Thank you all!

 

[Phlox]

Color feeding would only effect during a molt -- and usually only applies to small birds like canaries.

Sounds like the G2 needs a bath.

 

[Scott]

In addition to diet, do you handle her a lot? Of my 3 hand-fed Goffins, I've noticed the lack of white brilliance is proportional to the amount of handling of each bird. No matter how clean we are, the oils from our skin can gradually taint their color.

 

[riaria]

Does she like to play with newspaper?

 

[Kalidasa]

How they are now will not really change, it could be the result of her past diet. That was definately the case with my conure, and a Quaker I had in the past. You'll probably notice a better feather quality after the next moult if it was dietary deficiency. It could also be from over-preening. You really don't notice an improvement with feather quality until subsequent moults after an improvement of diet.

 

[Pinkbirdy]

That's mine with the newspaper . Dingy bird [but a happy one )

 

[GIJoe]

Thanks for the tips ya'll!!!

I do handle her A LOT... She is a cuddle bug for sure...(actually on my shoulder aggravating me trying to get the mouse right now!).. LOL

She has been moulting recently, but I don't notice the feathers getting brighter...

She has had rinse baths a few times since we've had her, is there a shampoo or "cleaner" to use on them?? Or just a rinse and let them preen after a towel pat down..??

 

[RavensGryf]

When you said "coloring" I didn't think you meant white LOL

The Zupreem fruity pellets really aren't the best. More like treats or snacks Regarding pellets, why not give a more nutritious brand a try? Many avian vets have samples of Harrison's organic bird foods. If not, I'm sure the Harrison's company would send a sample if you contact them. Harrison's Bird Foods

As you noticed, the new feathers are white. I'd give a water bath at least once or twice a week (or more) to keep this 'white' from becoming stained. They do have Cockatoo shampoo, but just plain water I think is best.

 

[GIJoe]

@RavensGRYF, White is still a color...... Isn't it?? Lol

I have contacted Harrison's... Thank you for the tip! My family and I have switched to whole/fresh foods since moving to our farm, makes sense to do the same for Squiggy!!

 

[SilverSage]

Food does not change the color of a parrots feathers in most cases because unlike canaries, parrots' color is determined by feather structure. However, HEALTH can change it, and so can the environment. What people have said about oils and newspaper is most likely the culprit, but it never hearts to give the vet a call and get his opinion

 

[Kiwibird]

Sounds more like a case of a "well loved" cockatoo Diet does affect feather health, but a "dirty tinge" on a white bird is more likely dirt from playing and being loved on. I would suggest bathing more frequently, but it's always an ongoing issue. My dad's goffin is healthy, happy and always has a dirty tinge (except right after a bath!).

 

[RavensGryf]

What I've noticed over the years, is that ANY bird (I've witnessed several) who eats Harrison's as their pellet, has as intensely bright and vibrant of a color as is possible for the species. Not sure what the ingredient(s) are that's responsible for that. Not to got too OT, but a post above reminded me.

 

[GIJoe]

Food does not change the color of a parrots feathers in most cases because unlike canaries, parrots' color is determined by feather structure. However, HEALTH can change it, and so can the environment. What people have said about oils and newspaper is most likely the culprit, but it never hearts to give the vet a call and get his opinion

Looks like your contradicting yourself here..... Food affects health, and therefore diet Will affect appearance....not "change color" (i.e. Turn a blue and gold to a scarlet), but certainly affect vibrance...

I fully agree with the saying; "We are what what we eat"...

 

[GIJoe]

Alright, a little update here...
She's been on Harrison's now for almost two months...
First off, she loves he stuff! And her breath has a neat/ pleasant smell...(weird, yeah, but yall get it)...

No change in her "dingy" appearance, although we haven't stopped loving her and giving her plenty of cuddle and pet time.... I've never known a bird to love so much petting and scratches, everywhere! Not just neck and under wing.... She's loves scratches on her back, top of wings, chest, Anywhere! Silly girl...

Anyway, she's doing great... Her flight feathers are back and we're leaving them for he winter, to allow her some exercise for these indoor months.. She'll "go home" if we give her a little toss, or inversely fly to me from her cage with a toss... Working on calling her to come....

Still having sqwuaking when she's not the center of the world, but we're patiently working on this....
She's a great girl and loves to be loved!