Posted by Karlene Sunday (128.227.99.49--ds099049.shands.ufl.edu) on March 15, 2000 (or so) at 10:20:04:
In Reply to: Can ANYONE else help me? posted by Amy Nelson on March 15, 2000 (or so) at 02:47:36:
: Hi, this is Amy again with (Green-Cheeked Conure) Emerald's black tipped feather and feet problem.
: posts.. Conure.. help please.. and Green Cheeked conure- black tipped feathers, pink feet.
: I have taken this bird to my avian vet more than a few times to deal with his beak
: he acted like nothing else was a big deal.
: I am nearly 20 years old and have had 7 yr experiance with birds these include my quaker, this conure, congo african grey, camelot macaw and sulfur crested cockatoo
: I am no expert and even I have heard and seen parrots with black feathers.
: So since these experts won't help me, I am welcoming whomever may have suggestions or answers about the listed problems to email me.
: my email is nkangelforeva18@hotmail.com
: also.. someone tell me how to sign up to obtain a username and password so I may try my question elsewhere on this site.
: I appreciate it Everyone..
: Amy and "Emerald"
The first thing that comes to mind is caging. Many times feathers will turn dark and become frayed from the confinement of a cage that is too small. Another concern would be a protein defiency which will rear its ugly head in the form of feather deformities or black feathers. Proper protein levels can be checked via bloodwork. Black feathers can also be caused by improper diet like in times of weaning, similiar to stress bars. Another thing is ectoparasites which can cause poor feathering.
Did your vet check Emerald for all of the above and if so, what were the results. You can e-mail me at my hotmail account:
b4uFluff@hotmail.com
Karlene Sunday