Another Update on Artemis

12-30-2007, 02:05 PM

you may remember the scare i had last month when a patch of missing feathers appeared on the side of artemis' head near his ear. pin feathers started growing in a few days later, so i figured it was just some rubbed off feathers from a toy.

well, more of those patches have showed up, immediately followed by pin feathers growing back in. the right side of his head is now covered in pin feathers, and i pulled a bunch of casings off his new crest last night. it looks like some sort of erratic molting. he is very grouchy and won't let me scratch him. i am trying to keep him showered to help with the growing feathers.

it's very strange though. his molts have always been very gradual and unnoticeable. i've never seen clusters of pin feathers on him like i do now.

thoughts?

12-30-2007, 03:02 PM

Only thing I can think of is a change in diet, sorry cant be more helpful.

12-30-2007, 03:29 PM

Poor Artemis, I have no idea what it could be. I've never experienced this. Usually they enjoy the scritching during molt. I would keep misting him with water and if it gets any worse, maybe a trip to the vet.

12-30-2007, 03:34 PM

Poor little Artemis!

12-30-2007, 05:46 PM

It might not be a bad idea to have him looked over by the vet Emily, just for your peace of mind if nothing else. There could be some underlying reason for the odd type of molt.

12-30-2007, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quito's Qage

It might not be a bad idea to have him looked over by the vet Emily, just for your peace of mind if nothing else. There could be some underlying reason for the odd type of molt.

i just might, it's never happened before and i have no idea what it could be from.

12-30-2007, 06:07 PM

A vet visit is always the best. Hard molts on our bird does not leave bald patches, just lots of pins.

12-31-2007, 04:15 AM

It simply isn't that time of year for Arty to moult (MOULTING: Cockatiels have their first moult at five or six months of age and thereafter, will usually moult once a year during the latter part of the summer. Their resistance is somewhat lower during this period and particular attention should be given to their diet. They should be protected from drafts, as they seem inclined to take colds easily during the moult. Occasionally, a sudden drastic change in temperature will cause cockatiels to moult out of season, but, unless the moult is continued, there is no cause for concern.)
You can find the complete article here.
HAMILTON & DISTRICT BUDGERIGAR & CAGE BIRD SOCIETY INC.
There is something else happening and I agree with the suggestion that its time for Arty to see a doctor.
I pray all goes well for both of you!

P.S.
I love you Artemis

Arty

12-31-2007, 06:39 AM

Poor little guy! I really don't have anything else to add, I do agree though a trip to the AV might be the best thing, at least it couldn't hurt. Let us know how he's doing.

Hug's

01-01-2008, 07:32 PM

Is there an update on Artemis?