Is this normal? tail feathers don't look too good.

[al7601]

We just got her maybe 2-3 weeks ago and she's been like this. She's almost 8 months old. thanks

 

[Mike17]

No pic, but I assume you mean ragged. Our 3 yo Alex always looks ragged, except right after a moult. We have another SI which isn't tame- his tail looks perfect, to the extent I can see a yellowish tip on each one. I'm pretty sure Alex doesn't have yellow tips, but even if he did, I'd never know!

 

[al7601]

No pic, but I assume you mean ragged. Our 3 yo Alex always looks ragged, except right after a moult. We have another SI which isn't tame- his tail looks perfect, to the extent I can see a yellowish tip on each one. I'm pretty sure Alex doesn't have yellow tips, but even if he did, I'd never know!

sorry, I posted a pic and I can see it. I just changed my album to public so I hope that helps.

 

[Featheredsamurai]

Image shows now

If she's young that may be cause for the raggedy look. Young birds often look a bit raggedy until their first molt, all that tumbling around, and learning how to perch and such.

 

[Mike17]

I see the pic now Al. Our Alex's tail looks even worse than that, and he's 3yo. I think Copper has it, although I guess our guy just manages to hit his tail all the time, and the rest on him look a bit scruffy too.

 

[Birdman666]

Young birds frequently don't know to preen their tails more... and they play harder, so their tails frequently get ratty - especially those big old macaw tail feathers...

It's normal. It probably means your bird is being active, which is a good thing, right?!

 

[shakar850]

yes its normal, because they like to walk on the bottom of the cage the tail wont be as nice as it can be looking. Mine was the same, eventually she broke the tail feather and shes got the new once now, looking great.

 

[mtdoramike]

I disagree in that this is normal. It's normal for bird especially Eclectus that have started to over preen their feathers. I would keep a close eye on this because it can and possibly will get worse.

 

[maillet]

I likewise disagree. Feathers look like they are being chewed not preened. It is either that they are over preening or chewing suggesting they may not have distractions.

It may be the lighting but the coloration of feather is also quite bronzed. At that age the feathers should be beginning to show true luster, not bronze. I would reconsider diet as well since they could also affect over preening behaviors especially in young.

 

[MikeyTN]

I'm actually with Birdman here, babies are rough with tail feathers!!!! I've raised enough to see them break, bent, etc with their tail feathers. I wouldn't worry too much at this time....

 

[al7601]

thank you everyone. I feel better now lol.

 

[Caesar]

My bird had tail feathers like that when I picked him up from the breeder as he was on the floor of the cage.
But now since he has learnt to perch they no longer look that way.