Post by birdguhl on May 29, 2013 18:09:20 GMT
I decided to go ahead with feather testing for Berry who as many of you will know has had a plumage problem for a long time now. About 7 months ago he dropped all his flights and tail feathers suddenly and has lost loads more which have grown in since. They have always looked abnormal. He is a tiny wee thing with bare patches now on his lower abdomen and under his wings. He is also inclined to over-preen which is probably a reaction to his feathers not feeling right and being uncomfortable.
Today the vet phone to say that PFPD had been confirmed. He doesn't have the French Moult (polyoma) virus. Apparently they can have both so that is something.
PBFD is very infectious, so all three of my other buds are at risk of developing it as well. Woody has always been at risk (I got them together) but Luee and Charlie have been put in danger too. :' But apparently the older the bird, the less likely it is for it to develop clinically. They can be asymptomatic carriers or even get rid of it altogether.
Apparently PDFD birds are more vulnerable to developing and dying of secondary infections, but some birds live a long time even if they lose all their feathers. Berry is a bit shivery sometimes so I keep their cage partially covered with a heat lamp on all the time.
On the plus side, he seems like a very happy little bud. He is vocal and lively and is devoted to his partner Luee. They are an odd couple: Luee is twice the size of Berry and if anything has too many feathers, but they are a very lovey dovey pair. Here is a little bit of video taken at a recent visit to the vet - even in that context they were canoodling away and charming the vet.
Today the vet phone to say that PFPD had been confirmed. He doesn't have the French Moult (polyoma) virus. Apparently they can have both so that is something.
PBFD is very infectious, so all three of my other buds are at risk of developing it as well. Woody has always been at risk (I got them together) but Luee and Charlie have been put in danger too. :' But apparently the older the bird, the less likely it is for it to develop clinically. They can be asymptomatic carriers or even get rid of it altogether.
Apparently PDFD birds are more vulnerable to developing and dying of secondary infections, but some birds live a long time even if they lose all their feathers. Berry is a bit shivery sometimes so I keep their cage partially covered with a heat lamp on all the time.
On the plus side, he seems like a very happy little bud. He is vocal and lively and is devoted to his partner Luee. They are an odd couple: Luee is twice the size of Berry and if anything has too many feathers, but they are a very lovey dovey pair. Here is a little bit of video taken at a recent visit to the vet - even in that context they were canoodling away and charming the vet.