I cant find anything about dark red feathers aside from the red factor mutation, do you have pictures or articles?
https://birdcompanions.com/FCA The Red Factor Sun Conure Color Mutation.pdf
Seems like a normal high red factor, not dark red. If you read carefuly in the article what you've shared, it does show you the visible differences between a normal, dark red (sick) and the high red mutation. dark red is scarlet red - yours still looks quite orange to me, so I wouldn't worry if I were you.
Myself from the article I could not get a sense of what a normal Red factor should look like at this age - but - I also feel your baby is not As Red as the "Dark Red" in the article; that is, based on your photo I see a reddish-orangish-red color, rather than a straightforward red-Lacking-orange color. So I'm happy to second Skarila in the estimation of your baby's color as a "normal high red!"
That said, today I woke up thinking about your baby bird. IF IF indeed it were to have the Dangerous red mutation, all would not be hopeless. Granted there is not as much info easily available as would be prefered. But there are many instances of human babies with genetic disorders who live far beyond the medical estimates, even historically ie without intensive techno-medical interventions.
So IF the photo colors are not exact, IF your baby does have this dangerous scarlet mutation, then Even if all prior instances of a Dark-Red mutation have all had metabolic problems, that does not mean yours will -- you could have a NEW mutation -- OR, it does not mean Yours would have it as badly. I would suggest learn what you can of the disorder -- (
I know, that is what you're doing now!)-- AND if possible figure out what they were feeding those birds. The idea being, to Change it. That was written in 2013. I'm not sure when it became accepted knowledge that birds need fresh foods, veggies, and maybe seeds, vs when pellets were considered "best." I Do Know there was a time when an All-Pellet diet was considered best. POSSIBLY a Dark Red Syndrome bird cannot metabolize PELLETS? ??
I suggest researching the expected symptoms. Then research other disorders, or non-disorders, with related symptoms. Across the board, in parrots, in chickens (there might be more knowledge but also might be more tendency to assume mortality), other birds, and especially even in humans (just because there is more research). Then be creative.
I mention non-disorders because now I am thinking of Ekkies. They are brightly-colored, Lack Orange & Yellow in their coloration, and they have Very Specific nutritional needs. Regular pellet-diets can harm them, as I understand, due to poor metabolizing of some vitamins? That might be a starting point, IF your birdie seems to show any symptoms.
I suggest Waiting until you see Any Symptoms before experimenting. But IF symptoms occur, if it were me, that would be my First attempt; see how birdie does with an Eclectus Diet.
Another thought would be that, again assuming a potential problem with pellets, many People can be sensitive to colorings. I have noticed my bright orange sunny Loves Orange colored foods, and likewise my Green budgie loves green foods. Some pellets have vegetable-based dyes and some are artificial. But in either case that could also be an area for experimentation IF you find your baby developing any symptoms of this syndrome.
Sailboat mentioned working closely with an Avian professional. I agree BUT with a BIG CAVEAT. You DO want someone who can Help and Guide you, and also IF your baby were going "downhill," could let you know. BUT. You do NOT want an Avian or other veterinary professional who is just going to tell you to Euthanize your baby when/if symptoms appear. (Unless that is what you want.) INDEED - I would strongly suggest that until you have established a relationship with an Avian Vet, do NOT accept a covid-protocol visit. Do Not let them take your baby away from your direct supervison. I have read at least one account (either here or else on reddit, not sure) of a bird who was euthanized without Real consent (owner was pressured into a 'yes' while bird was in the office without her), and I would be quite worried it might happen IF they think your bird has this syndrome.
Considering how the Only easy-to-find article states that Any bird with this syndrome Will die painfully, it is NOT beyond reason that a Veterinarian MIGHT think he/she doing right thing to Tell You it "Will" die and strongly push for euthanization as kindness.
So. TLDR: (1) MIGHT NOT be "Dark Red Syndrome." (2) IF it IS, it MIGHT NOT be hopeless if you're willing to experiment with treatments, esp DIETARY changes. (3) A WILLING Avian vet can help manage symptoms, monitor bloodwork, etc, BUT, BE WARY and DON'T let a well-meaning Vet kill your bird.
:red:
