Severe Stress Bars

The new wing feathers Ruby grew (3) are now down to just one. With zero protection, it seems she knocked them out.

The remaining feather had to have started growing before we got her somewhat. It's showing 2-3" from the end of the sheath and it's covered top to bottom in severe stress bars. In fact, there are more stress bars than not. When held up to a light, I can see right through them.


Will her huge diet change from coming here cause these for awhile? I've never dealt with them before so I want to manage my expectations.

Brittany, I am so sorry I have missed your postings!!! I see you got Ruby and you are doing great things with her!

Our story, We got Venus, our female Solomon Island eckie, in January 2015 and I started her on a non seed diet, all fresh and organic. We have been battling respiratory infections now her persistence to be a Mommy, as well as lack of vitamin A. I think the diet change you are doing will help out a lot. It's really helped out with Venus and our GCA Buddy. I'll keep an eye on your posts. I'm curious to see how things work out with her stress level.


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Hey, Brittany.

The stress bars aren't a reflection of her level of care at this moment, but rather what she was going through at the time that particular feather was developing. So I'm actually not particularly surprised that her new feather growth has some stress bars.

Her new diet should make a marked improvement in her overall health and stress level. But depending on how badly her health was compromised by her previous diet, it might be a while before you see the change fully reflected in her plumage. Or to say this more clearly, you will likely see immediate improvement in feather quality, but the transition to plumage that looks fully healthy and nearly free of any signs of stress might take a bit longer. Maybe over the next year or two if none of the damage was permanent.

So don't be discouraged by the presence of any stress bars. Remember that any damage done to her system by her prior diet would still be a stressor on her body, now. But you're definitely headed in the right direction.