BirdNerd416

I know how stressful this can be. Just know you're not alone and most of us have been through something similar.

How old is your bird? That might explain it — my green cheek conure went through something similar around 4 years.

I'd suggest trying adding a full-spectrum Arcadia UV light near the cage. My avian vet recommended it and it made a huge difference.

My Mochi went through a phase like this around 15 years. I was terrified but it passed. Birds are weird sometimes lol.

Hmm, I'm on the fence about this one. Part of me agrees but then I think about my experience with Poppy and it doesn't quite line up.

I've had birds for 15 years and I've seen this many times. In my experience it usually comes down to dry winter air from forced-air heating.

YES! This is exactly what I needed to read today. My budgie and I have been going through the same thing!

Bird Sitting Toronto has a great blog with articles on this topic actually. Worth checking out!

So what I ended up doing was rearranging the cage every couple weeks to prevent boredom. Within a few days there was a noticeable improvement. Definitely worth trying.

I'd suggest trying using a shower perch so they can bathe with warm mist. My avian vet recommended it and it made a huge difference.

I switched to TOP's pellets last year and haven't looked back. My Senegal parrot's feathers have never looked better.

What kind of cage setup do you have? Sometimes the environment is a factor.

So what I ended up doing was leaving the radio or TV on when I'm out — background noise helps. Within a few days there was a noticeable improvement. Definitely worth trying.

I used to think the same thing until my caique proved me wrong. Now I'm firmly in the other camp.

Update: took everyone's advice and things are improving. Maple is slowly coming around. This forum is the best.

Hey welcome! You'll love this community. Feel free to ask anything, everyone here is super helpful!

Following up on my earlier comment — I tried what you suggested and it actually worked! My lineolated parakeet is doing so much better. Thank you!

Couldn't agree more. This has been my experience as well.

I switched to Goldenfeast last year and haven't looked back. My cockatiel's feathers have never looked better.

I've had birds for 15 years and I've seen this many times. In my experience it usually comes down to a dietary deficiency, especially calcium or vitamin A.