Amazon parrot losing feathers

Bedlam

New member
Nov 9, 2013
4
0
I have a wild caught Amazon blue front for 32 years now.
One of her wings, she's not growing any feathers, and now it seems to be happening to the other wing.
I brought her to an avian vet 2 years ago, and all blood tests and so forth came back fine.
The vet had no idea what happened to the bird and even suspected I did something to it. I was offended, to say the least.

Is there any chance this is a sign of old age? I have no idea how old she was when they caught her (back when it was legal), so she could be older than I am (51).

She rarely sings anymore, sleeps a lot, never plays with toys anymore, seems a lot weaker, but still loves to eat like she's a dog. Still loves to get her head/side of her head scratched.

Also, I was told she was she, back when I got her, and they said there was a tattoo under her wing stating this, but "she" has never laid an egg, ever. The vet had never heard of anything like this, involving a tattoo.

Also, she's not stressed or plucking. You can see the skin on what's left of her wing.

Any ideas? Besides finding a new avian vet?
I can't seem to find much info on a bird losing feathers due to old age, just from feather plucking.
 
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Littleredbeak

Well-known member
May 27, 2020
622
870
Following... I’ve never heard of anything like this-
Can you post photos?
What is your birds diet?
Do you give supplements? If so what kind?
Do you give vitamin D3?
 
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Littleredbeak

Well-known member
May 27, 2020
622
870
I did a quick web search and found this https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...on-wings-wont-grow-back-looks-painful.613214/

- not sure if the photo looks similar to your amazon’s feathers but a user said it looked like a protein and vitamin deficiency. My amazon shortly after I got her started eating the inside of her feather shaft. I gave her Marinecollagen powder mixed with cheese (she loves cheese) I have her as much as she wanted and and she hasn’t eaten the inside of her feathers since. I also later stated vitamin supplements for feather growth as everyone is molting. Something that I always sprinkle in their food when I give sprouts is a vitamin A and D3 supplement. (Also have algae and avian herbs).w
 
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SailBoat

Supporting Member
Jul 10, 2015
17,643
10,007
Western, Michigan
Parrots
DYH Amazon
What you are saying and reality is not the same. Your Vet see's Avians, but is not an Avian Vet: CAV (Certified Avian Vet). Avian Vet Studies clearly defines what and where a taboo is and what it means.

Even in their 50's a Healthy Amazon will be active as the species has the capability of life spans into their 70's.

With in the Amazon sub-forum are two Threads at the top. One defines Amazon Body Language and the other provides a knowledge base regarding lovering and living with Amazons. With in that huge Thread there is a segment regarding a Healthy Diet. Please read it and begin enhancing your Amazon's diet.

Blood Testing and older Amazons need to occur at the minimum every two years. IMHO, I like every 15 months as that will cause the the test to cover each quarter of the year. With a senior Amazon I would use every 9 months. Senior Amazons are prone to Heart problems and/or fatty liver issues.

Parrots of size molt their wing and tai feathers over several years. An Amazon that is not receiving a healthy diet and/or is sick /unhealthy will not molt feathers!

Sadly, you need to find a Avian Medical Professional! Your Amazon needs to be seen by a true professional and soon.
 

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