Greenie's Feathers

[czechrite]

Hi everyone!

I haven't posted in awhile but I want to ask opinions as to what might be wrong with Greenie. Here I'll post some pics below.

I noticed a couple months back in December or January that his feathers seemed DARKER. My eyesight is not the best so I thought it was just me and the bad light at the time. In February we finally had a nice sunny day and I had my reading glasses on and WOW! I was shocked that his feathers no longer looked so good. Not total destruction, but there is clear degeneration present. Especially feathers in the rump area and the lower edges of the wings. I also found little black "dandruff" in his sleeping area and I was wondering what it was...maybe just the broken off bulbs from popping open new feather buds? Not sure if it's related or normal...didn't look before. Just noticed when looking for critters.

I do have access to a vet when he's in, but I still welcome additional opinions that can help me and the vet as well, make a diagnosis.

Anyway, here's a HAPPY birdie last year! It's Greenie feeling healthy and happy..and curious! You can see his feathers look great in both these first two pics!

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f396/czechrite/BIRDIES/OrangeHeadedHELPER1_zpse2ia182r.jpg
http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f396/czechrite/BIRDIES/OrangeHeadedHELPER2_zpspg749h4k.jpg

Not so good recently though. Here his feathers are looking "dusty" and dark. Looking down along the lower edge of the wing especially you can see areas where the fibers of the feathers have "withered" to black.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f396/czechrite/BIRDIES/Greenies_feathers1_zpsf8hjom25.jpg

Some pics through a jeweler's monocle on the bedding beneath where he sleeps and hangs out at times. There are some blackish "roots" or feather bulb "husks" or something present.

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f396/czechrite/BIRDIES/20160126_165511-1_zpsolnhluui.jpg

http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f396/czechrite/BIRDIES/20160126_165555-1_zpskn6i5poq.jpg

[czechrite]

As far as I know, this has only started in the last couple of months. He doesn't seem to be tired or have any other behavior changes as far as I've observed....
That's why I didn't post in the "Emergency" forum.

Please, any ideas or experience shared would be WELCOME!
Cheers. C

[linda040899]

I think part of what you are seeing is due to moulting. The photos of feathers you shared appear to still have the keritan sheath, or at least partially. What happens during a moult is that feather coloring becomes darker and much prettier. Older lovebirds have coloring that will put youngsters to shame! Perhaps misting might help the feathers look a bit better because water will cause preening.