Could It Be Old Age

Chezza · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 4:07 am Post subject: Could It Be Old Age

Ok, Jack has been losing some feathers lately, he always had a full bloom of feathers, he has NO lice, he has never been a plucker of feathers, he is about 8 years old nearly 9, could it be due to old age, he is still eating and drinking very well, and active, he has even lost his flight feathers too.. Crying or Very sad

charmedagain · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2341 Location: uk

Hi Chezza,
Stress, Illness, Iron, Fatty Liver Disease can cause the feathers to drop out.
I would suggest having him seen by an Avian Vet just to rule out any illnesses that might be causing it. It could be something simple like a skin irritation.

He is not old as he only 9, cockatiels live until they are 25years old some have been known to live longer..

Sorry i couldnt be of more help

Mike

Chezza · Posted: Wed Aug 26, 2009 8:29 am Post subject:

Thanks Mike, Ill do that, as he is a very much loved family member..
Ill keep you informed..

Chezza · Posted: Thu Aug 27, 2009 9:57 am Post subject:

Ok just found out its scaly face Shocked

, I was devastated, he is an indoors bird????? Crying or Very sad

Got treatment for him, and its working already..
How could he get scaly face????????????

charmedagain · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2341 Location: uk

Glad its nothing too serious, Its not quite known how birds get the scaly mite it has something to do with outside birds...

The treatment usually works pretty quick and you notice a change in your bird within a couple of days, Within a week you should notice new feathers coming back in.

While new feathers are growing in i would suggest getting a spray bottle the kind you would mist plants with and mist him daily with warm water this will soften they skin and not cause irritation to your bird..

Let me know how he gets on and i am pleased its nothing serious

Mike

Chezza · Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 9:07 am Post subject:

Will Do Mike..Thanks

Chezza · Posted: Fri Aug 28, 2009 9:16 am Post subject:

He is such a gentle soul putting the treatment on...he doesn't like it but is soo good, poor baby..He has been outside, but only thru the day... Question

He is looking better everyday..Thank god..

charmedagain · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2341 Location: uk

Glad he is improving, its hard when one of our animals has a problem.
If the vet has given you enough ointment i would still apply it for a few more days just to make sure that they have all died.

Its heartbreaking when our birds lose there feathers to these nasty little creatures..

I miss having my birds but i had to rehome them all as it was causing my partner to be ill with his asthma and he kept getting chest infections from there dander..

Mike

Chezza · Posted: Sat Aug 29, 2009 10:46 am Post subject:

Ok 3 days treatment and its looking good, but no feathers growing thru as yet, but the scale has cleared up, his feet hadn't been affected, just his cere and the top of his head..

charmedagain · Moderator Joined: 19 Mar 2004 Posts: 2341 Location: uk

Hi how is Jack doing? Has his feathers started coming back yet.
Hope he is back to his old self Smile

Mike