Difficulty flying

[jennifer]

May I apologise in advance if I have posted this thread in the wrong place. I am having a bad day.

My bird is about 14 weeks old or so and he has just started to come out of his cage. He however has a problem flying because of one of his wings I think. He seems not to have any flight feathers on one wing. The other is fine. He doesn't seem to be moulting and I haven't found any feathers in the bottom of his cage. I hope someone can give me some advice. I wouldn't like to think that the little fellow isn't never going to fly properly. I have not seen him plucking them out or anything like that. Because I am no techno I shall have to post the pics seperately. This first one was taken when he was about 8 weeks or.

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[jennifer]

This is the funny wing taken last night

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[jennifer]

This is his other side

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[jennifer]

And this is the best I could get showing both

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[budgiefriend]

Your bird is just beautiful, Jennifer. I don't have an answer for you. I hope someone else will. But I had to tell you how handsome your bird is.

[jennifer]

Thank you, he certainly has a personality of his own,hope his behaviour improves. Not had any responses yet about his feathers, keep reading you may learn something.

[nat]

Hi Jennifer. My guess is that he has a condition called French Moult. I think its caused when the blood supply to the feather is cut off. Apparantly the cause is viral and it is transmitted by chicks licking infected droppings in the nestbox.
I have a bird with French Moult and he is just fine. He has never flown but is a very able climber. He also lacks the flight feathers on one wing just like your bird does.
Some birds seem only to be lightly affected only losing the odd flight or tail feather, but some are more severely affected.
I think its important not to use the bird for breeding purposes as it could be transmitted to chicks in the nestbox, but as a pet he should be healthy in every other way.
I've had my French Moulter in the aviary for 4 years and none of the others have ever caught the same thing.
Another reason a bird might drop flight and tail feathers is during weaning from 4-6 weeks they can often become dehydrated causing the feathers to drop. However as your bird seemed fully flighted at 8 weeks when he must have been already weaned I think its less likely that this is the cause.
I'm not sure if dehydration in an older bird of 8 weeks plus could cause flight feather loss?
Your bird is very beautiful

[barrieshutt]

Those will not grow again Jennifer

[ruthpaton]

Hi Jennifer! Your budgie is gorgeous! What is his name? I'm sorry to read about his flying problems and the experts opinions that his wing feathers will not grow back,that isn't good news for you to hear. He will still have a happy and active life even though he can't fly so try not to be too disheartened by this. I've heard of other budgies who couldn't fly who still managed to get around by running and climbing to play and explore! Maybe some others will give you good advice on ensuring his safety since he can't fly.

All the best...
Ruth

[barrieshutt]

A good play gym is needed Ruth

[Hezz]

Hi Jennifer. Sorry the news isn't better regarding your budgies flying ability but as the others have mentioned, he can still have a long and happy life and be a wonderful pet. Does he try to fly? If so you may have to take precautions so that he doesn't fall to the floor and injure himself while trying.

You will probably find you two will become firm friends as he will be relying on you to get around. Chin up, he doesn't know the difference and will be a happy budgie.

[stace]

I'm amazed at the number of French Moult budgies we see on the forum. I wonder if it's becoming more prevalent, or if it's just that people come here for ideas because they feel something isn't right?

[barrieshutt]

Stace it may be the dodgy breeders moving them on to unsuspecting pet stores

[ruthpaton]

Good point about the play gym Barrie - I should have mentioned that as I always have one for my budgies! :-) I got mine on ebay but I know there are lots around. And I'm sure some clever people can make their own! :-)

Ruth

[Marianne Marlow]

He's a lovely bird. I'm sorry that he has french moult.