Concerns over feathers

[Michmick]

Hi I have a new rescue green cheek been with me for 5 days. I'm a little concerned over the state of her feathers, I've tried to attach a photo, hope I was successful. She's 12 years old and was on a sunflower seed and dried fruit diet. She's now on a much improved diet. Her feathers are all rough looking around the edges, not smooth lines like they should be.
Any ideas appreciated.
Michelle (and Sam)

 

[Featheredsamurai]

To me that looks like over preening, but it can also be caused by feather mites, or the feathers growing in wrong. The tips look dark which makes me wonder if it might be a form of stress marks.

Rosie has some really old ratty feathers that look similar. They are her under coverts seen in this photo. Because she used to pluck I assumed it was from over preening, but I honestly don't know because they'd always been like that. These feathers are over a year and a half old too! unhealthy birds don't always molt and the feathers get rattier and rattier.

Bring you conure in for a new bird check up and your vet would need to be blind not to notice, if they don't mention it ask them specifically what might of caused it.

 

[MonicaMc]

Its known as feather bronzing.


A new bird check up complete with blood work and fecal would be highly advisable.


Good health, good diet, and encouraging proper preening, and her feathers will improve when she molts.