Feather question concern

[Huey]

Hi everyone,

My lovebird is 3ish years old. I've noticed lately her feathers have changed. They have white spots. Could this be a moult? Her diet consists of mostly seed. She does nibble on zupreem pellets and picks though her dry herb salad.

She is very active. Always trying to make nests. She has laid a couple of eggs (4)over the year I had her. Not interested in them at all though.

She loves those edible perches. She doesn't eat it though just attacks it till it's gone. Doesn't last a week. Could there be something in those affecting her? I don't use sprays, perfumes, candles..etc.

Your advice is much appreciated.

 

[Huey]

Here is a picture.

 

[Huey]

Here is another pic. Sorry don't know how to post together.

 

[MonicaMc]

It may be a good idea to take her in to an avian vet to make sure she's healthy. If everything checks out fine, then she just might be a mottled aka acquired pied. (it has some other names, too!)

It's not really a true mutation as it cannot be reproduced, however it seems like the bird version of vitiligo in humans. Even more odd is that it doesn't always manifest in the same way between birds!

https://www.facebook.com/notes/agap...on-in-an-agapornis-personatus/424666504248967

Sam Gibbs - Agapornis-personatus.com



I know of someone with a female fischer that has done the same thing as the black masked in the two links above! She has been confirmed as healthy, too!

 

[Huey]

It may be a good idea to take her in to an avian vet to make sure she's healthy. If everything checks out fine, then she just might be a mottled aka acquired pied. (it has some other names, too!)

It's not really a true mutation as it cannot be reproduced, however it seems like the bird version of vitiligo in humans. Even more odd is that it doesn't always manifest in the same way between birds!

https://www.facebook.com/notes/agap...on-in-an-agapornis-personatus/424666504248967

Sam Gibbs - Agapornis-personatus.com





I know of someone with a female fischer that has done the same thing as the black masked in the two links above! She has been confirmed as healthy, too!

Thanks Monica! What an interesting article. I can't wait to give it a thorough read.

 

[Huey]

Re: Feather question concern - update

Update:

Sophie feathers have continued to worsen. Her chest was almost bare. So off to the avian vet today! She took one look at her and said definitely plucking. But ran some test to be on the safe side. She did a fecal/direct smear and a gram stain. Both looked good.

We think she is sexually frustrated which led to plucking. We have to remove happy hut (we only used it at night) all mirrors. Encourage foraging for food.

She prescribed : anti-inflammatory metronidazole 2x daily for 14 days/ also diluted metacam for 30 days. For pain and just in case of unseen infection.

Also a soother tropical spray.

She wants to recheck her in 14 days..

 

[MonicaMc]

Sounds like a good start to try and figure out what's going on.


Any updates on Sophie since?

 

[cassiepengo]

i hope she is okay. take her to the vet, it might be serious.maybe you could try changing her diet?? im not an expert( AT ALL!!) but try. but if she is already sick, then this might not be a good time to try out new food. i hope shes okay though!

 

[Huey]

Sounds like a good start to try and figure out what's going on.


Any updates on Sophie since?

Thanks for checking back. Went back for a check up with the Dr. She had some new growth but still sees sights of plucking. Sophie is still on medication. Metacam for pain for the new feathers coming in. She switched her to Azithromycin. We are also trying to bathing her once a week in benzoyl peroxide shampoo. The dr. Has some success with this.

For nerves (for Sophie) herbal remedy Bach flower drops. Wine for my nerves. Lol.

 

[MonicaMc]

LOL!


Well, I do hope you are able to figure out a way to help her!

 

[SoCalWendy]

Maybe she is missing something in her diet?

 

[cassiepengo]

uh huh. good shes getting better..... i would DIE if something happened to my lovie!!

 

[Huey]

Maybe she is missing something in her diet?

I was thinking that to. But she won't try veggies. She does eat dry herbal salad. She nibbles on roudybush pellets. She eats Higgins Safflower gold natural with out sunflower seeds. I will keep trying more veggies.

 

[Huey]

She also has this mixed in her food.

 

[cassiepengo]

how is she now??? dont worry!! i betcha she is gonna be back in no time!!! ~eternal optimist~ lol!

 

[Huey]

how is she now??? dont worry!! i betcha she is gonna be back in no time!!! ~eternal optimist~ lol!

Thank you! She does seem to be getting more feathers. We will see!