Help needed

[Pamoushe]

Hi everyone,
This lorikeet was born in our tree, he got used to us, now I am worried he cant fly, he does seem to open his wings, I dunno much about lorikeets but ive been feeding it the dry mix and fruits. He comes back for food constantly. He jumps/trues to fly from the tree to my backyard. I attached a photo of him, can you please tell me if there is sth wrong with his feather before I take him to a vet?

thank you

 

[LaManuka]

Hi Pamoushe, welcome to the Forums! I assume you are located somewhere in Australia to have had the privilege of this little sweetheart being born in your tree Lorikeets are particularly close to my heart because of my little Princess Lilly Pilly the purple crowned terrorist ... erm ... I mean lorikeet

If this baby cannot fly it may mean that he has psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) which sadly is fairly common among rainbow lorikeet flocks in the wild. It is contagious so if you do happen to have any other parrots in your household you will need to ensure that they are kept very separate and that you practice strict hygiene if you handle him at all. PBFD will require a blood test to confirm, so I have linked up the following service which will help you to find an avian vet close to you who can carry this out...

https://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803

PBFD can be treated but not always successfully, and I suppose what becomes of this baby if he does indeed have it will depend on whether you take him in and make him a full-time pet or not. Your vet should be able to advise whether or not this would be a good idea, or indeed whether you may need a license to keep him as a pet in your State - I need a license to keep my Lilly but then again I bought her from a breeder so her origins were somewhat different.

Whatever the outcome, I thank you for taking such good care of this little one. Many babies who are unable to fly don't survive for long due to predation and lack of food, quite apart from any disease considerations. I wish you and this sweet little baby all the very best, he could not have chosen a better tree to be born in than yours

 

[Pamoushe]

Thank you for your reply, I have no birds (I am scared of them ) but this one is so precious. I have no vet so I guess ill have to look for one. Ive been reading abt this disease but I guess this one has all feathers. But again, I am no specialist. Thanks again

 

[LaManuka]

Yes lorikeets certainly are very charming so I'm not surprised this one has squirmed his way into your heart Hoping for a negative diagnosis and every success at the vet for both of you , please do keep us updated!

 

[Zoruace]

little Princess Lilly Pilly the purple crowned terrorist ... erm ... I mean lorikeet

H

noo-
Dont ruin the suprise for me

 

[ennovy]

Wish you and the Lory all the best .
So happy there are people like you that care for the little birds so well.