We’ve been checking through our blog and found loads more questions that you’ve submitted to us, and Feathered Friends and us at Northern Parrots have kindly taken the time to answer them.
Q1: My CAG is now 35, and appears perfectly healthy with full plumage, but over the last few years he has grown quite a few pink/red feathers over his front and under his tail and also many of his tail feathers are turning part grey, some all grey. Is this normal for his age, or is he lacking something in his diet?
A: Red feathers can be a sign of illness but not always so don’t worry. They also can show a problem with a particular feather coming through or some damage to the feather follicle. Some Greys in later life develop red feathers and nothing is wrong. With regard to his tail feathers turning grey I have never actually experienced this before. It could be that the feathers were damaged also and are coming through as Grey ? Some of my CAG’s tail feathers are grey tipped but not entirely Grey
If it were me I would be visiting an avian vet and asked by them to check him over and do a full blood count just to make sure all is well. If nothing comes back at least you know he’s healthy and is just unique
Q2: I would like to know when a Grey-Headed Cape Parrot matures to adulthood. There is very little information on them that I can find.
A: Cape Parrots are one of the Parrot species that can be told apart by sight as the male has a red crown. They have a reputation for being quite gentle birds, even in a breeding situation. They become mature at about 3-5 years old
Q3: What type nest/breeding boxes are suitable for Patagonian Conures?
A: A suitable nest box would generally consist of one inch thick plywood and can be reinforced with “bird friendly” sheet metal. The ideal size would be approximately 2 foot high and around 9 inches square inside. Finely shredded paper will make good nest litter, plus any chewed wood from the nest box.
If you have any more questions you’d like us or Feathered Friends to answer, please leave them below.
