Black Spots on feathers?!

crimsonbellied · Jun 20, 2012

hey i just recently purchased a crimson bellied conure and he is a sweetheart but i noticed a few black spots on his feathers when i got him and i feel like there are slightly more now and ive heard it could be malnutrition? he is under a year his adult feathers havent came in i dont think because his bellie hasnt went completly red yet and i hear that happens at about a year? here are a few pictures i am wondering if i need to take him to the vet or if this is normal for a younger crimson bellie...he is on pellets eating fruit and veggies often and i take him outside all the time so he must be getting enough light...thanks for the help!!

greycloud · Jun 20, 2012

Welcome to the forum! The black marks could be caused by several reasons. In the closeup pic there appears to be wear on the feathers or the bird is barbering(chewing on the feathers). It could be caused by him rubbing his feathers on the bars of the cage while climbing or sliding on the bars. The other reason could be due to stress or poor nutrition as he was developing. Offering a high quality pellet, fresh veggies and some fruit will help him get back on track. It could be caused by liver problems too.
My suggestion is to have him checked by a vet with a full blood panel to check organ levels. If all is well then when he molts the feathers should come back in fine.

crimsonbellied · Jun 20, 2012

how often do they molt? ive only had him a month but the lady at the pet store said he was young but didnt say exactly how old thanks i think it may be a past factor from the pet store i heard the black can be stress marks/lines from when they are being handfed? as well as from the bars he is very active lol he is on pellets not seed and eats a good variety of fruit and veggies and seems happy as a clam so i think he will be ok when he molts i havent seen him lose a single feather yet LOL but yeah just wondering

AFP520 · Jun 20, 2012

Lucy is starting to get these too, but she is constantly in her feathers, and I know she's eating plenty because she picks out all the stuff she likes, the rest goes on the floor.

http://i.imgur.com/Tbik7.jpg

greycloud · Jun 20, 2012

Lucy has stress bars. This is where something occurred such as stress, an illness or poor nutrition when the actually feather was growing within the sheath. The crimson belly could be experiencing the same thing. They usually molt into their adult feathers between 6 mos to one year.

AFP520 · Jun 21, 2012

Well, because she's still a baby, I feel like everything easily spooks her. We live in an apartment building where everyone is the hulk, and must stomp feet when walking and slam doors constantly.

I don't have anything to worry about right? When she molts they will look fine?

Black Spots on feathers?!

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