Change in Feather Colors in Parrots

Significant changes in the colors of parrot feathers can happen more often than an owner may think. Feather color changes can happen due to normal changes within the parrot, or the changes could occur due to a variety of unhealthy reasons. If you can't account for the color change, take your parrot to the veterinarian to determine the cause.

  1. Stress Bars

    • Stress bars can occur on the feathers of your parrot if the parrot is going through a time of stress caused by too much travel, too much time alone or a variety of stressful reasons. Stress bars are discolored bars or lines that appear across new feathers. Other causes for the discoloration within the stress bars could be stress due to an illness. If color discolorations appear as bars within the feathers, take your parrot to the veterinarian.

    Maturing

    • The normal maturing process could cause parrot feathers to change colors. Juvenile parrots may have different colored feathers than they will have when they become adults. Feather colors by maturing can only change by molting the old ones and then growing the new ones. Depending upon the species, it may take several molt cycles before a parrot receives its adult colors.

    Medication

    • Medication, such as antibiotics, can cause parrot feathers to change color. Keep track of your parrot's medications on a calendar and be aware of any feather color changes. If you see a difference in feather colors once you begin giving medications, the color change is a safe one. Ask your veterinarian before administering any medication to your parrot if it could cause any color changes or feather damage.

    Malnutrition

    • Malnutrition is a reason for feather color change for parrots. If you notice a brown discoloration in the feathers at the top of the head or any other color changes that cannot be explained by any other reason, consider malnutrition. Speak with your veterinarian about offering vitamin supplements to your parrot or changing the parrot's food. Feed your parrot a high-quality food and keep the bird on a feeding schedule recommended by your veterinarian.