Urgent Wing Damage possibly, all flight feathers gone!

[Joelle]

My linnie Aura had an accident that I believe was a night fright 4 days ago. He is OK (eating normally and moving around lots and bathing even) but I'm worried. I may be able to get him into the vet tomorrow.

What happened: I noticed his wings looked shorter the next morning and then panicked a bit when I realized all his newly growing (after wing trim by previous owner) flight feathers were gone!!! Then I found some dried blood on the wall and put the pieces together. My other linnie is fine, so I believe Aura got spooked during a thunderstorm we had and thrashed about in the dark. I found a bunch of feathers on the bottom of the cage but none were broken, so I think he shed them after he broke one or two blood feathers (I read this can happen during a fright). Now I can see two broken feathers but no blood and one wing seems worse than the other with maybe skin showing or could be crusting over scab on the top of his left wing. I'm not sure. The picture attached only shows how short his wings are now, not any damage that I've glimpsed when he stretches his wings.

Has this happened to anyone on the forum?

 

[Greycloud]

Yes, it happened to my Sammy and to Sunshine. They became frightened and actually dropped their flight feathers. Sammy even dropped his tail feathers too! Poor Aura! I am sure she will be fine. Lots of love to you both!

 

[Joelle]

@Greycloud thanks for responding. Did either of your guys have damage to their actual wing or blood feather breakage? I think I'll bring him in tomorrow to have it checked out, hope there's no permanent damage.

 

[Greycloud]

No, All feathers were not blood feathers. There was no damage. It was more of a shock to me then to them!
My poor Sunshine! | Avian Avenue Parrot Forum
Ummmm.. I have a question.. | Avian Avenue Parrot Forum

 

[ncGreyBirdLady]

It probably will not hurt to go ahead and take him to the vet.I hope he is OK

 

[Joelle]

Thanks, I hope so too! I'll take him in and get him checked over tomorrow.
How long does it take for feathers to grow back after they've dropped due to fright?

 

[birdlady]

This happened to my conure Tiki when I moved him into a new space. ...in the morning most of his flights and tail feathers were on the floor they all came back though and he is fine now.

 

[wyrinth]

Aura should be fine. It takes feathers about 6 to 8 weeks to grow back. Give her moulting food to help support her feather growth. I usually give eggfood 3 to 4 times a week to give them the nutrients they need (in addition to fresh foods and sprouts)

 

[Joelle]

I'll look for moulting food at the pet store. What is egg food @wyrinth ?

 

[wyrinth]

Food made with egg

There are recipes for it, but I just buy the one from the pet store and mix it with some hard boiled egg to make a crumbly mixture.

 

[expressmailtome]

I'll look for moulting food at the pet store. What is egg food @wyrinth ?

Here is a listing for egg food just so that you can have an idea of what to look for: D-HIG70709 Higgins ProTeen Egg Food Bulk By the Pound - HIGGINS .

Matt

 

[Macawnutz]

Poor little one.

They will all start to grow pretty quickly. Try to keep him less active when they do... quite a lot of vulnerable feathers without protection is a disaster waiting to happen.

Keep aware and try to minimize any more breakage.

 

[Joelle]

Good news. Brought aura to the vet and everything is OK considering. No blood feathers needed to be removed and he is healthy. Just have to wait for the new feathers but he already has 2 brand new sheaths.

 

[Novembergypsy]

Fabulous news!!

 

[Joelle]

Good news update!!
Aura's flight feathers are growing back quickly after he lost them all in a night fright a few weeks ago! PIC attached - he's wet from a shower, I know he looks funny when wet.

 

[Joelle]

Also, I've been feeding him pellets with his veggies and a supplement in his water and a moulting food.