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A friend of mine gave me her moustache parakeet in April. I know Larry very well because I've babysat her off and on since 2000. I know Larry isn't young, she came to them from an agriculture school to be babysat for the summer, when they took her back, they said "Keep it, we don't want it back." Over the last few years Larry's feathers have gotten very ratty looking feathers, and she always looked too thin. My friend gave her to me because she didn't have time for her anymore. Usually when Larry came to see me, she gained weight, but not this time. She's gone from 128 grams on 7/2 to 122 grams today. (I weigh my all of my animals periodically, it's a real quick check.) The really weird thing is that her front feathers are really starting to look good, they're nice and well groomed, but her back, wings and tail are still ratty, but I don't know if she needs to molt out before she'll look better. She doesn't seem to be sick, she eats fine, and is still playing, although I've noticed she's not chewing up as much wood as usual. I can't really hold her to check her, she despises being handled. She won't let me pet her at all, although if she's out of the cage she'll step up on my hand. I can't figure out if she's lost weight because I'm giving her a better diet or what's going on. I've been in and out of work for the last 2 years, so money is tight. I'll take her if she really needs to go, but if anyone has any thoughts I'd be grateful. Thanks.

When my moustached p'keet was ill with aspergillosis, she didn't want the spray baths she adored when healthy. She plucked each leg from the foot up, and she lost weight fast. If Larry continues to lose, I'd get bloodwork done quickly. I hope that's not the case.