Help black feathers???

[rypie]

Demi has developed black feathers and it's scaring me! What is wrong? Is it normal?

 

[rypie]

She gets fresh fruits and veggies daily along with mazuri pellets.

 

[Dinosrawr]

How often does she preen those feathers? Over preened feathers sometimes turn black or grey over time because they become stripped. Otherwise it could be dietary, from perhaps a lack of calcium or protein. The best thing to do would be to see an avian vet and to have a blood panel done to see where her mineral and vitamin levels are. I'm wondering if perhaps the Mazuri pellets would be better switched out for a better quality pellet, like Harrison's, TOPs, Golden'obles, or Roudy.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Over what period of time did the feathers change color? Does she ever get any natural sunlight?

If you google B&G macaw flight feathers (under images) you'll see what they're 'supposed' to look like. I'd suggest you open up Demi's wings and compare, so you can see if there is a huge difference.

 

[JerseyWendy]

Also, please have a look at this thread, within in you'll find another fantastic link to feathers.
http://www.parrotforums.com/conures/15193-black-feathers-cause-concern.html