weight gain in winter?

[Cycletim]

About month ago we built an aviary and moved the flock outside during the day. Ever since then our Grey has gained about 20 grams. Our diet has not changed.

1. Chop in the Am

2. 12 Pellets in foragers for lunch.

3. Small piece of birdy brittle for a snack

4. Chop with a little birdy bread for dinner and another 12 pellets.

When we took him for his check up from the CAV he was concerned about his weight at first. However, after his blood test he said his numbers were great and was in great health. He gets more exercise in the aviary its very big and he has to climb all over the place to forage his pellets. This kind of has us stumped. Maybe a winter weight gain because he pretty much lives outside all day?

his weight was 470 one month ago.

 

[saxguy64]

Makes total sense actually. You said he's getting more exercise in the aviary. That's a beautiful thing! He's gained muscle mass, which will add weight. A fully flighted, active bird will weigh more than a comparably sized perch potato, for exactly that reason.

 

[SailBoat]

There is a common problem when one talks about weight gain, Winter and not sharing one's 'general' location in this huge World. The further North one is located and what temperature the home is 'maintained' has an effect on the amount of downey feathers a Parrot adds.

Combined with increased muscle mass and surprise, Winter weight gain...

Our Amazon varies about 5 grams between Winter and Summer and we are a bit South of the 45th parallel.

The correct method of taking weight is to be consistent!
Weight is taken first thing in the morning just after the first poop of the day and prior to providing fresh food and water. This assure an empty Parrot!
Keep a journal of the day, time and weight that day on a digital scale using grams.

 

[Cycletim]

Thanks for the replies, we weigh our birds once per week after the big bomb. We live Southern California. He is growing in down feathers and he is leaving them alone and not removing the ones on his chest out. Thank you for the input.