Why Parrot Feathers Turn Black – Causes and Cure

My Conure’s green wing feathers are turning black, otherwise he is healthy, eats good, bathes, plays. I inherited this bird from a neighbor who didn’t want him anymore. Whats wrong with him?

Sounds like “stress bars” or…

Sounds like “stress bars” or “stress lines.” These black bars occur as feathers are developing when a bird gets either emotionally or physically stressed.

Physical stress could be a health problem he or she was suffering at a time, such as an infection for example; or a significant deficiency of important nutrients (i.e. malnutrition).

Emotional stress would be caused by such events such as moving into a new home or when major changes are occurring in their environment (new family member or another pet.

Birds are also very sensitive and will pick up on stress that family members may feel (divorce, loss of a loved one, etc.). So this is the time to evaluate their diet and overall state of health; and – if stress is a likely cause – to keep stress at a minimum.

Once the root of the problem has been rectified, the feathers will usually grow in normal during subsequent molts. Sibylle

Gaurav Dhir

Gaurav is an animal enthusiast. He lives in beautiful Ontario with his energetic family. As a part of his work at beautyofbirds.com, he has been working with ace parrot trainer, Cassie Malina to understand bird behavior and learn more about how he can train his feathered companions.

3 thoughts on “Why Are My Parrots Feathers Turning Black?”

1. Sounds like “stress bars” or…

Sounds like “stress bars” or “stress lines.” These black bars occur as feathers are developing and a bird gets either emotionally or physically stressed. Physical stress could be a health problem he or she was suffering at a time, such as an infection for example; or a significant deficiency of important nutrients (i.e. malnutrition). Emotional stress would be caused by such events such as moving into a new home or when major changes are occurring in their environment (new family member or another pet. Birds are also very sensitive and will pick up on stress that family members may feel (divorce, loss of a loved one, etc.). So this is the time to evaluate their diet and overall state of health; and – if stress is a likely cause – to keep stress at a minimum. Once the root of the problem has been rectified, the feathers will usually grow in normal during subsequent molts. Sibylle

2. I got him a few months ago.

I got him a few months ago.

3. It appears that diet and even

It appears that diet and even

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