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Just wanted to let everyone know about the problem we have been having with our Yellow Nape (Chuck). About 1-1/2 months ago we noticed the feathers on the nape of his neck were not coming in right. Just a lot of downy feather but no regular ones.

Anyway took him to our Avain vet and fought out he had a lot of air under the skin due to one of the 9 (didn't know they had) air sacs and a tear. He has been back 3 times now to have the air removed (pissed bird big time). They put him under this last time and took an x-ray, drew blood, did his nails and beak then too. Blood work all came back great so no infection. They have him on Baytril .73 ml a day just in case. Having fun trying to get him to take that even in food.

His feathers are starting to come in now, they could not get through the skin due to the air puffing the skin all up but there is still some air. Vet is hoping it will heal on its own.

Anyway we think (husband feels bad too) that from he and Chuck playing (they really get rowdy) one of the air sacs was tore that way.

So please be careful when playing with your parrots. They still play but husband tries not to be so rough even though Chuck still wants to play rough.

Very common

http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww43eiv.htm -> Good link to explain the different components



also

Sorry that Chuck's difficulty has been so traumatic. Air sac problems aren't always so serious. Stories abound of birds who enjoy inflating air sacs, many probably for the drama reward their humans provide! I hope Chuck heals very soon.