Feather advise

[rbreck]

What's going on here? Maui had broken these feathers off during his first year. Are these new feathers or what's left of the broken ones? He is now 1 year and 3 months old.

 

[weco]

They appear to be barbered (barbs chewed off of quill).....sometimes young birds will do this, as well as not really care for their feathers (beat them up playing) until after their first molt or until they realize what they are for.....

Barbering by adult birds or after their first or maybe even second molt may have other causes & should be evaluated by an avian veterinarian.....

Good luck.....

 

[Boysmom]

The coloring is fine. Ekkies have grey closer to the skin and color towards the ends. Weco is correct in stating that your guy is barbing his feathers. You need to get him some shreddable toys or pine cones to distract him from destroying his feathers. This behavior can lead to plucking if it isn't corrected. When you notice him chewing his feathers, remove him and distract his attention.

 

[rbreck]

You both are correct. Maui is barbering his flight feathers! Today was his first trip to the groomers for beak and nail trim. I took him to a bird rescue here in town. She confirmed that it is more than normal. So off to the vet this week. Combination of young age, bad feather cut and hormones... I need to nip this in the bud or it can be a big problem.

FYI for those fearful of that first nail and beak trim... Maui was Great! Even said Hello to the owner. Beak trim was super quick - although it was bad at all.

I was so upset when she opened his wings - they were worse than I though. now I know how to do this myself.

Looking forward to the vet visit. Poor Maui! He has no idea how wonderful feathers can be.

We now have foam under a shower curtain around his cage and cut a foot off his Java tree because occasionally he tries to take flight and drops.

Spirits are up and he is very happy. Should have named him Rocky!