Dean Stockwell's feathers

[criswell]

We took Dean Stockwell for a check up on 3rd March about his feather loss. I know it's almost certain that it's one of the two viruses but wanted to rule out anything else. The vet gave him a thorough exam, stretched out his wings and looked at both of them to see if he could see signs of feather growth. Dean Stockwell nibbled the vets finger throughout but not enough to hurt. It was interesting seeing his wings stretched out. Birds are really amazing.

The vet was interested that I'd seen some improvement in Dean Stockwell's feathers since they'd been having antibiotics in the water, suggesting that he might also have had an infection that was putting even more strain on his feather growth. He started growing 2 new tail feathers during the week. He'd been missing them since October. They seem to have stopped growing now and didn't get to full length but he does look a little more budgie like now. He has moulted a few more body and wing feathers since then and I'm saving them on the vets suggestion in case we decided to test him for the viruses.

We talked to the vet for at least half an hour and it was very interesting. Poor David was so tired he almost fell asleep where he was sitting.

It would be lovely if he does manage to grow a few flight feathers. He can fly a little bit so doesn't fall to the ground but can't keep any height. He doesn't come out of the cage now even though the door is open all day for Dexter. Randolph Carter stays in all day too. so they are good company for each other.

He's such a scruffy little thing, but it doesn't seem to bother. He's very happy and busy and always singing, chirping or squawking.

New tail feathers at start of March.

His tail today

[Marianne Marlow]

Poor Dean Stockwell. His feathers do look rather stunted and his poor tail.

But I'm sure he's a happy boy.

[criswell]

He does seem happy. He likes to think he's the boss of everyone but Dexter's really in charge. He is such a nuisance at bedtime too!

[Hezz]

I do hope he can hold his new tail feathers, if only for his dignity, criswell.

[tweetiepiesmom]

So glad he's a happy and hasn't gotten down because he's not flying. Sounds like he's got good company. Got my fingers crossed that his feathers continue to improve.

[Shirls]

One of my budgies from a while ago (he is over rainbow bridge) never had a tail from the day I got him. This is him, he was such a sweetie.

[criswell]

Thanks everyone. What was your budgies name, Shirls? He looks like a sweetie. How well could he fly?

You're right, he does look more dignified with his tail feathers, Hezz.

He had quite a big bald patch under his right wing when he saw the vet. I don't often get to see under their wings but he lifted it up while I was watching him yesterday and the bald patch has got much smaller. I was getting worried that he was going to become bald all over but thankfully at the moment that is reversing. I've not really seen any improvement in wing feathers yet but fingers crossed.

[Hezz]

It is good that the antibiotics do seem to have helped him somewhat. Fingers crossed that he continues to improve.

[clt80]

I think he's gorgeous, and I'm glad he has such a good friend to keep him company. Cute the pair of them.

[blue48]

Mar 29, 2020 9:02:00 GMT Shirls said:

One of my budgies from a while ago (he is over rainbow bridge) never had a tail from the day I got him. This is him, he was such a sweetie.

Awww, what a little darling. 

[Shirls]

That was Oscar criswell. Hezz called him P.C. Plod! He did look rather like a policeman budgie, was a very mild mannered little chap. He used to fly but lost altitude very quickly and I used the spare stick for him to step up on, took him back to where he wanted to go.

[criswell]

It sounds like Oscar was a marvellous boy, Shirls

Randolph Carter has altitude problems even though he has all his feathers. He doesn't come out to fly very often now he has Dean Stockwell at home with him. And he no longer makes a fuss when Dexter comes out to play and to fly about.

Thanks Hezz and clt80. He's such a funny little scruffy character.

[criswell]

I thought I should on an update on Dean Stockwell's feather situation. He is still a scruffy little things. The tail feathers he grew back in March didn't really come to anything and he's been losing more feathers on his abdomen.

For the past for weeks I've been giving him supplements from the Bird Care Company after emailing them for advice. Charlotte was very helpful and suggested daily Guardian Angel to boast his immune system plus Calcivet and Easy Bird Complete 5 or 6 days a week.

It's just over 3 weeks since I started the supplements and although I've not seen a dramatic improvements I think he may be growing some new feathers on his abdomen. He definitely hasn't lost any more feathers. He's so hard to photograph for comparison but I think the supplements might be making a difference. He has lots of new pin feathers on his head - he was starting to get a little bald patch above his beak. He was mostly bald under his right wing too and I might see a bit of feather growth there too.

It's still early days but I'm encouraged that bald patches haven't got any bigger and maybe he is growing some new feathers too.

[tweetiepiesmom]

Great news criswell! Glad to hear he is not loosing any more feathers and that pin feathers are showing up.

[Hezz]

Fingers crossed that his supplements are working for him.