Unusual molting

[Olorin]

Hello everyone. I just dropped in to ask a quick question. I have a 14 year old Senegal, and lately his appearance has seemed really ragged. He's gone through molting periods before, of course, but normally it doesn't last this long--it seems like his feathers have been in poor condition for a while now. I'm not particularly concerned for his health, since in all other respects he seems fine: he has a good appetite, and is as playful as always. However, if this goes on for too long I would like to take him to an avian vet. I just thought I'd ask you guys first, to see if you have any ideas or experience with this type of thing.

Thanks for your help.

 

[TexDot33]

just going out on a limb here ... when was the last time your sennie got a really good soaking with water? Sometimes feather plumage issues can be fixed with regular baths ...

 

[Tracy842]

I would reccomend bringing him to a vet just to be a 100% positive. It might be nothing and it might be something, better safe then sorry.

Like Tex said regular baths. What kind of diet in your Sennie on?

 

[Deanna]

Welcome to the Forum!!!

Yes, regular baths or spritzing is a must. I, too, was curious as to what type of diet your Sennie is on.

I do think, however, that I would immediately involve an avian vet. My Mojo's plumage became very bad and it turned out to be Acute Kidney Disorder. Disorders/disease shows up quickly in their plumage. I strongly encourage you to seek veterinary medical advice as soon as possible.

Best of luck and do keep us posted!

 

[Peta]

The usual questions popped into my mind while I was reading that, (Diet, bathing etc) Our fids are so good at hiding any illnesses that just to be on the safe side I would involve my avian vet now, far better to be safe than sorry.

Please let us know how you get on.

Oh and Welcome to Parrot Forums. We look forward to hearing all about your sennie, and seeing lots of pics.

 

[Olorin]

Thanks for the advice everyone. I shower with my senegal regularly, but now that I think of it, I have been gone quite a lot lately, and I don't think the rest of my family bathes him, so he probably hasn't been bathed as often recently as he should. His diet is based primarily on a seed/grain/pellet mix, as well as nuts, fresh fruits and veggies. He can be kind of picky about his fruit though--mainly he likes apples.

So yeah, I think I'll see if more frequent baths help, and in the meantime I'll keep looking for a good avian vet. Unfortunately, I haven't been very impressed by the local vets so far, but I haven't exhausted all possibilities yet, so I still have hope.

Thanks, everyone.

 

[Peta]

Whereabouts are you? We may be able to help with some names and addresses of vets for ya to look through

 

[TexDot33]

May be able to help with an avian vet ... I think we can help with that!

 

[Olorin]

Well, right now we're near Salt Lake City, UT. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

 

[TexDot33]

go here:

http://www.aav.org/vet-lookup/

and find a certified AAV Avian Vet in your area!

 

[Peta]

We have a list up here somewhere I'll see if I can find it.

 

[Keupi]

When you take your Sennie, ask the vet to do a blood test and specifically test for metal (lead and zinc) poisoning.

Also, in the meantime, start tracking weight and the look of droppings (poopology - the science of fids!!).

It's also, quite possible, that the weather or the evening news (wacky, yes) is causing your fid to molt more. My fid loves TV and apparently the TV is like a 'window' to them. I know that your state has had a recent tragedy (my Dad comes from a coal mining family in Pennsylvania and our hearts go out to Utah), so constant watching of news coverage if near a TV could be adding to stress. I learned this from my vet when living in NJ (now back living in CT).

 

[Deanna]

Well, right now we're near Salt Lake City, UT. Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Olorin, I got Mojo from a breeder in/near Salt Lake. If you would like, I can contact her for an avian vet recommendation. Just let me know ... or if you like, I can give you her info (she is VERY busy and hard to reach, but I am happy to see what I can do to help).

Just let me know.