Grey feathered runt Kakariki

Tic · New Member Joined: Oct 28, 2005 Posts: 2

I have a Kakariki parrot that has been hand raised and his name is Tic. He talks a lot and is happy to give you a little bite with demon red eyes and then laugh at you as he hops away. I don't think he realises that he is a bird!
He eats absolutely anything, constantly eats and does runny dropping just as often.
He has different size branches, toys and things in his cage, and we put in fresh gum with nuts' branches / bottle bush etc regularly
He is a runt, only have the size of a normal kakariki. He is 3 years old.
He makes love to his tail to the point where it had a round hole in it and he has now broken it off.
Many of his feathers are now grey instead of green and he is the shabbiest poor excuse for a bird - only his neck up (head) is beautiful. I thought that he was only malting but his feather have got worst instead of better. He has slowly been getting worst for the past 6 months.
The local vets do not deal with birds, so he hasn't yet had a check-up.
Has anybody got any ideas on what could be wrong.

Kaka-riki · Site Admin Joined: May 30, 2005 Posts: 363

From the description you have given of Tic it sounds like he may be suffereing from what is known as "hard feather". The change in colour also suggests this may be the problem. It is not uncommon in Kakariki that have either suffered from inbreeding or poor diet. Your post suggests he is getting a good diet so I am guessing the size and feather condition are due to inbreeding. This happens when a "family" of birds are continually mated together without introducing new bloodlines. The resultant offspring can be runts and suffer all types of problems. You have also indicated he has runny droppings. This is not a good sign. One of the problems which can create change in feather colour is a kidney and or liver disease. I would recommend he visit a vet for some tests.
Not sure where in Adelaide you are but there are 2 very good avian vets in the Mitcham area. They both specialise in birds and I have no hesitation in recommending either. If you want more detail send me a privat message as I do not have their permission to list names on here.
There are many supplements on the market which can be used to help the regrowth of feathers. But I suggest you make certain there is not a more serious issue with Tic before trying to improve his appearance.

Tic · New Member Joined: Oct 28, 2005 Posts: 2

Being new to this site, I have attempted to send you a private email - I hope it has worked
Thanks for the info so far, I have no knowledge of the breeding, so I do not know if that is the problem.
His toilet problem has got worst in the last 6 months, it wasn't so runny before

Steptoe · Site Admin Joined: Oct 06, 2004 Posts: 4550