Peach-fronted conure, looking terrible!

[majoth]

I have only had my conure since xmas so am very new to this. He was a stunning bird when we got him. But at the moment he is looking terrible. He has these horrid pin feathers all over his head. I think it is due to moulting but am starting to worry I am missing doing something for him.
Or perhaps something I'm not feeding him that he particuarly needs during moulting.
He gets parrot mix, millet, apple, grapes, nectarine, brocolli and dandelion on a daily basis. Fresh water.
He likes bathing in his water dish. Maybe that isn't enough???

 

[Peeker]

Can you post any pictures? It sounds all very much like a normal molt to me. Seeing the pins tells me he has molted the feathers and more are coming in.

 

[majoth]

I should have mentioned he is eating like a trojan, nothing wrong with his appetite. He doesn't like us touching him, he is happy to come and sit on us and give us kisses but stresses when we try to pat him. I tried holding him and making him let me rub his head but he just stressed to the max and I thought that was probably bad for him during moulting. He's as noisy as ever and cheeky, a bit grumpy at times.
I have given him a mirror and I am starting to wonder if that is a mistake. He is almost protecting the other bird from us now??? Could that be the case?

 

[SandyBee]

Birds will eat more when they are growing in the new feathers. Also they might not like to be touched, the pin feathers can cause discomfort. They can also become grumpy due to this.
Lots of bathing helps, also steam from the bathrooms can help soften the feather sheaths and make it easier for them.

Not sure about the mirror, some birds may act like that.

 

[osnyder]

He looks great to me, looks like a TON of new feathers, and molting conures can be uber-brats. Both of mine are diving me bonkers-- this seems like the time of year for many complaints!

 

[BillsBirds]

Mirrors are a split issue. Many people, (& birds), like them, many do not. I am one who does not. They often promote aggression, like you've said, they think they're protecting another bird. And may want to be with that bird instead of you. Plus, it can promote mating behavior & masturbation. With females, it can result in egg laying, and perhaps egg binding. Which can be fatal. Yet, some birds will ignore their refection, or not get carried away. Watch your birds' behavior, and decide what's best.

 

[tokensmom]

I agree I think he looks good. Its just pin feathers on his head, too bad he doesn't want you to rub them for him. My little guy loves it. But I see them in the pet store all of the time where the rest of their body looks great....and they have pins all over their heads.
As for the mirror....your guy may not be one to handle it so well...maybe take it out for a while and put a new toy in that spot.

 

[MonicaMc]

I say toss the mirror! Birds often don't understand they are looking at themselves.


More frequent baths may help.

 

[majoth]

Well I have taken the mirror out. He instantly came to talk to me instead of hanging out in front of the mirror. I may give it to him occasionally, but we shall see.
I got a mister today and started giving him the odd little squirt. He was a bit shocked at first but he is starting to fluff up and give a lil shake when I do it so I think he will get used to it. I tried putting a bath in the bottom of his cage but he was very suspicious, wouldn't even go down to his seed so I took it out. I will keep putting it in and see if he gets used to it.
Thank you all for your advice. I just needed someone who has some experience to say he didnt look sick.

 

[BoomBoom]

Additional protein is beneficial during a molt, so try to offer some well cooked eggs (hardboiled, even offer the shells). A bit of boiled chicken (without salt) might also be good.

A lot of nuts also have protein. I'm just not sure if animal protein is better during a molt.

 

[MeganMango]

You can also take your bird in the shower with you. I have a shower perch and this has really helped my red belly. Both he and my foster baby relax a lot in the shower. I think its the heat and the sound of the water that chills them out. This is the only place I can scritch my poor rescues pin feathers on his head. I also got to touch Mango for the first few times in there. Even if he wont let you touch him, the moisture in the air will help with the pins.

 

[nicolee003]

I would say keep the mirror! Mine is very friendly and also loves his mirrors. He has 4 in his cage and loves them!

 

[majoth]

I read that tuna is good for them. So I gave him some, just a little bit, for a few days. I think he ate some. Some ended up at the bottom of the cage. He's such a messy lil bugger, but I love him. I will try the recipe for the boiled eggs mix. Anything to help the lil dude.

 

[Echo]

I don't like the mirrors. None of my birds have them....
He looks good to me too! Just molting, which might be sore to the touch....normal.