Sun Conure Losing Tail Feathers

[mangothesunconure]

I noticed recently that my sun conure, Mango, has been breaking his tail feathers. He's down to only one, which also appears as though it'll break off soon. He is about 6 months old, super active and hyper. It looks like he has broken some of them through playing too roughly. He is still acting normal, and the lack of feathers doesn't seem to be deterring him from playing or causing him any discomfort. I might be too paranoid lol, but is this normal? Picture attached of what his feathers currently look like. Any advice is helpful!

 

[Jen5200]

It is possible when they are young to have them break feathers when playing rough. I have one sun who is particularly hard on her feathers, but she’s never broken all of her tail feathers off (my other one keeps hers impeccable). Has Mango been to an avian vet for a checkup? Not sure where you are located but if you want help locating one in your area, we can provide links. It’s always a good idea to have them set up with a vet after bringing them home and get a baseline of their health (good for future reference if you happen to need it). You could also ask about the feathers and get an opinion on whether it is just a baby being tough on his feathers .

 

[mangothesunconure]

He has not been to an avian vet yet. Some links would be very appreciated! Are they doing video call only appointments?

 

[Jen5200]

I haven’t needed to take my flock in during the pandemic so far - but I suspect that many are doing in person visits where they pick up your bird from your vehicle and you wait outside. Here is a link that may help you find an avian vet in your area.

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

 

[mangothesunconure]

He has an appointment to see someone in two weeks thanks for your help!

 

[Jexnell]

When Phoenix was younger he was the same way. Clumsily playing around and broke off his tail feathers, at one point he only had one feather left. Now that he is a year old he is a lot more aware of his tail and mindful of it when he does stuff.

 

[Jen5200]

He has an appointment to see someone in two weeks thanks for your help!

Awesome - glad you’ll be able to get him in! It’s always nice to have that baseline and get established with a vet.

 

[Jen5200]

When Phoenix was younger he was the same way. Clumsily playing around and broke off his tail feathers, at one point he only had one feather left. Now that he is a year old he is a lot more aware of his tail and mindful of it when he does stuff.

I wish my Bindi would grow out of trashing her tail feathers - she’s 8 or 9 years old now and still mangles them (although she’s never really broken them off, she just abuses them and makes them look ratty) .