Sonny growing a yellow feather!!

[picklesandjesse]

Just wondering whether this is common with eckies, he's 4 years old now and flies outside quite often. Hangs out with rainbow lorries. Any info appreciated. John

 

[Ria.345]

I heard it could be due to a nutritional deficiency. Remember that a varied diet is crucial for any parrot and yes it even shows in their plumage. It could also merely be something related to genetics but you can always meet with a CAV to further discuss these potential issues and any nutritional gaps if present.
Hopefully some ekkie owners will jump in.

 

[Ria.345]

Bump

 

[Laurasea]

I've read the same, nutrition lack of or over supplement. Or liver. And same as random.

You've done a great job , as I only see mild over preening/barbering.

We have super great ekkie owners so they will find and add their expertise.

Diet is so important with these. I used to have some links but I don't think i still do.
I feel like they need vitamin A rich foods like cooked sweet potatoes. But no supplements....
Ok still had

Dietary Supplements for Eclectus Parrots - Vitamin A, Calcium and Other Supplements

Providing your Eclectus with supplements can assist with avian health. Be careful not to over supplement, it may cause health issues.

eclectusparrotbreeders.com

And as I have heard they are more cold sensitive as a species. You might use a radiant heat source. I use the sweeter heater as found on Amazon the smallest size is more than enough and I put on a stand and set back from the cage. The same site as above link talks about changing diet in winter. Here in Florida we just want from 80 to Down to the teens tonight! I have my radiant heater on my flock and served a warm bed time meal of cooked sweet potatoes myself..I have quakers. I also fed my old girl baby bird formula as she is sensitive to cold weather ( not that I think that would be recommended for you) but just to emphasize cold weather does effect our parrots some more than others.

The importance of a winter diet for Eclectus Parrots

In the southern areas of Australia, Autumn is in full swing. The leaves blanket the ground in a sea of red, gold and yellow and the garden is a vast array of color. Our trees signal a time for change not only in weather but also in our parrots diet as we ready them for the cold months ahead.

eclectusblog.com

 

[GaleriaGila]

Wow!

Years ago, maybe at approximate age of 30 (?) the Rb grew his one-and-only yellow "surprise"... none since...
He's now 37.

 

[Skarila]

I also found a yellow feather on my conure's nape recently, and according to my vet, time to panic is if i find more than one. As others stated, could be due to some nutritional deficiencies, liver issues or a single mutated feather. Keep an eye on the fella, if you do find more, time to go to the vet for a thorough checkup!

 

[picklesandjesse]

Thanks for all the info. His diet is very varied but he does like nuts and I give him 2 or 3 cashews when he comes home from his adventures outside. Think I'll just give him 1 from now on and see what eventuates. No avion vets near us in this part of Australia, nearest is a 2 hour drive away but I'll take him if another feather appears. This is his house. He has no cage.