"Fat line" in chest feathers? - Page 2

01-23-2008, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homebird

I have another question: It must be hereditary? - some are naturally plump.

Not all birds/animals are, what my Dad would call Good Producers = what they eat turns into building fat & muscle. This is something the farmers look for when selecting stock that uses their food to the maximum benefit to their growth overall.

At my house, when I was growing up I was considered a poor producer - ate tons & was as skinny as a rake.

Aside: My father helped develop the chicken we now eat, in the 60's. He chose a variety of birds to produce genetically the qualities we all want in a big, healthy bird. I remember when he came home from a conference in the States - he'd met Colonel Saunders & I as a child I was very impressed. [Kentucky Fried Chicken to you younger people - or KFC].

Another factor is genetics, which can also play a role in determining predisposition to obesity. For example, Amazon parrots, cockatiels, cockatoos and budgies seem to have more than their fair share of overweight members, and female birds and older birds are also at increased risk.

Light in Flight– Hartz.com

Portly Parrots - Fat or Fit?

01-23-2008, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hyacinthLove

artemis has that "line" every now and then, too. i've never heard it been called a "fat line" before.

Same here with Tiki... she's always had it. Vet has always said it is natural, and I've never heard it called a "fat line". Although she is a large scarlet, she has never been considered overweight. She has a line down the front that is featherless..... and they way the other feathers lay, it creates the line.

01-23-2008, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by birdyland

Same here with Tiki... she's always had it. Vet has always said it is natural, and I've never heard it called a "fat line". Although she is a large scarlet, she has never been considered overweight. She has a line down the front that is featherless..... and the way the other feathers lay, it creates the line.

Is that natural? - does it happen with others?

01-23-2008, 01:47 PM

Sarah I am really glad you brought this up!

I was just on the phone with the woman who I bought jewel from yesturday asking about this. I was worried shw isnt eating enough because of the "keel" line. She said what Leigh said and said it as normal. I'm glad I'm not the only one that worried though!!

01-23-2008, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homebird

Is that natural? - does it happen with others?

I'm told it is, and does; But I'm not a vet.

01-23-2008, 01:57 PM

This is about as pronounced as Tiki's "line" ever gets.... again, she is not overweight.. it is because of a keel line of featherless skin, and the way the surrounding feathers lay. I am told it is normal.

01-23-2008, 02:56 PM

~ I was wondering if it's a female thing?

Very handsome photo of Tiki by the way - she looks excellent.

01-23-2008, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by homebird

~ I was wondering if it's a female thing?

Very handsome photo of Tiki by the way - she looks excellent.

i don't think so, artemis is a male. ivy looks the same as tiki on her chest.

01-23-2008, 03:54 PM

I wrote a piece about examining the keel bone, and how to determine if your bird is overweight or not.

Quote:

The keel bone runs top to bottom, down the middle of the bird's chest. Feel on either side of this raised bony structure. If there is tissue on either side of the bone, the bird is in good weight. If you have difficulty even feeling the bone, the bird is overweight. If the bone is raised, with only a little tissue on either side, your bird is a bit under weight. If the bone protrudes sharply, you bird is very under weight, and is very likely ill or experiencing great stress on a daily basis.

Examining Your Bird's Keel Bone

01-23-2008, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sweet Marie

I wrote a piece about examining the keel bone, and how to determine if your bird is overweight or not.

Examining Your Bird's Keel Bone

Thanks exactly what I was thinking