Yay feathers growing back [emoji3]

[Nicky76]

Archie had a rough time before he came to live with us but despite his old age and ailments he's doing great. His feathers are coming back especially around his neck and head - sometimes you need a bit of help to scratch the places you just can't reach though ..........

https://flic.kr/p/Jw5puH



Animals are like little angels sent to earth to teach us how to love

 

[SailBoat]

Thank-you, for taking on a Senior Parrot!

Growth of new feathers is always a great sign since feathers require large stores of energy to support them. That is something that a suffering Parrot cannot afford to expend.

Again, thank-you!

 

[Nicky76]

We love him, he makes us smile every day.

It's so good to know he's having a good life now, just wish he could of found us sooner!

It's very rewarding taking on an older bird and seeing them flourish


Animals are like little angels sent to earth to teach us how to love

 

[Blancaej]

That is just awesome news! Such a sweetheart!

 

[JellyBean]

Bless his little heart... what a cutie!!!!! Just lovely to hear that his feathers are growing! Must be a healthy and happy bird..

 

[MonicaMc]

His feathers appear reddish due to his health. Are the new feathers red, too?

 

[Nicky76]

Only the ones on his legs are red


Animals are like little angels sent to earth to teach us how to love

 

[EdwardH]

Woohoo!! Great news.

 

[wrench13]

Archie looks great. Good job!

 

[MonicaMc]

Only the ones on his legs are red


Animals are like little angels sent to earth to teach us how to love

Forgive me, but he is definitely "red". I can see it in his videos and photos. This picture shows a red head and red in the wings (more upper than lower, but there's red).

https://www.flickr.com/photos/136720853@N03/26153679975/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/136720853@N03/24963099283/



This is what he should look like. (notice the lack of red to the head and wings?)

https://www.flickr.com/photos/katiehostad/12034736186/
https://www.flickr.com/photos/xomissi/3407399761/



Or a comparison.... a "red" patagonian vs the normal colored ones. I'm not sure where this image came from.

Excessive red coloration like Archie has is typically a sign of poor health or poor feathers. It could be anything from failing organs, PBFD, metal toxicity, damaged feather follicles, etc. It's obviously nothing that you've done, as you got him in this condition, and you are providing a great home for him!


You've mentioned that Archie has, at least, arthritis and gout. Gout is a sign of bad kidneys. I don't know if he has any other health issues, but it's possible that his failing kidneys has resulted in the red feathers? Or maybe something else has?



I'm curious to know how his liver is doing.

 

[Nicky76]

You must have missed my other posts on here because Archie had a hard life before we took him on. He's about a million years old hence the osteoarthritis and gout - contributed to by a poor diet and no medication.

He no doubt has some organ damage and that's why he's not on anti-inflammatories. He is on tramadol and allopurinol and a good diet now. However his gout has improved greatly visually and he's due check bloods again next week.

He isn't the same colour as the red Patagonian in your pictures but he is the same colour as the other Patagonians on this forum - a bronze/olive colour.


Animals are like little angels sent to earth to teach us how to love

 

[MonicaMc]

I went back and read your other posts, so no, they were not missed. It's great that his gout has been improving!


In your photos and videos, Archie appears to have a reddish tint to his feathers.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Monica... wow! I have never heard/seen such a phenomenon! If I had just seen that bird independent of details, I would have guessed a hybridization! Amazing.
Even after 32 years, there's still stuff to be learned.

It's been amazing to run into other Patagonian fanciers. I believe there are four currently participating. Archie (and his folks) are a particular bunch of heroes for me. It was heart-aching to see him in the beginning... and now, he is playing, eating, LIVING!

 

[Nicky76]

Monica you'll be glad to know that some of Archie's feathers that are coming back are a much better colour [emoji3] I reckon it might take a couple of molts to really see him in his true colours though [emoji4]


Animals are like little angels sent to earth to teach us how to love

 

[Terry57]

Archie's story warms my heart. I am so happy that he is with you, and getting the love and attention he so deserves

 

[GaleriaGila]

Lonnnnng live arrrrrrrrrrrrrrchie!