Ask Lafeber

Feather abnormalities

Anything to watch out for when looking at feather discoloration and potential health conditions?

Hi Daniela,

Feather discoloration or poor feather condition is almost always related to a deficiency in the diet. But it can also be caused by a deficiency that is caused by the bird’s system failing to function properly and assimilate the nutrients in the food. In this case, some sort of disease process would be suspected. Stress that happens at the time the bird is molting can cause lines in the feathers. Odd color feathers can also be linked to liver or kidney disease. But an odd feather is not always a cause for alarm. If there is a health issue, it will affect a lot of feathers, and not just an odd one here and there. Once the Vet determines the cause and treats the bird, you will not see the results in the feathers until the bird molts the affected feathers.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda