In Jan 2007 we had a partly bald Sulphur Crest visit a few times. We always wonder why it had so many feathers missing and whether it would survive as it seemed to have a very enlongated beak.
Jan 2007
But - its come back !! Sitting on the power line this morning - I'm sure its the same one because the beak is quite distinctive.
Nov 2011
Hi gphe, I would love to see the pictures, can you put them up please?
M-L
Sorry, I forgot which link to paste in - hope this works :-)
2011
2007
PSITTACINE BEAK AND FEATHER DISEASE
(Psittacine Circovirus Disease)
by Dr Garry Cross
Senior Lecturer in Animal Health,
University of Sydney.
there are many articles including photos of birds with the disease on the net.The above one has photos attached of a Sulfphur crested cockatoo, very much looking like yours.
M-L
Thanks Araminta.
Maybe its not the same bird then - but perhaps we have the virus in the local population.
Interstingly the two we have seen do not appear unwell, they are flying and eating well.
This year's one was back this morning sitting in a tree squawking at me while I worked in the garden - unfortunatley the corn isn't ripe yet and I've already dug the garlic, so other than oranges, I couldn't offer anything the Sulphurs like. :-)
Cheers,
Geoff
Hi again, if you read some of the information about the disease, you will learn, that some adult birds do recover, but still spread the virus to other parrots .M-L
M-L
My, that's one nasty looking Cocky! My Grandma's cockatoo looked like that when he was near 50 years old. Nanna knitted him a tea cosy style costume to cover his nakedness.
Maybe he/she is a really old bird? Or possibly has some disease affecting the plumage? Haven't seen one in the wild looking as nasty as that!
Yes Raven, a very nasty disease,caused by a contagious virus. Psittacine,Beak and Feather disease. M-L
M-L
I've seen almost featherless sulphur crested cockatoos feeding at a bird table in Nairne, SA. Is there a cure for this ghastly disease, Araminta?
Hi Woko, the highly contagious disease is spread through direct contact with other affected birds and injestion or inhalation of feather dust, dander and faeces. Also contaminated surfaces.That's why I'm opposed to feeding wild birds! (I do not want to start a new discussion about feeding wild birds again!) Please read more about the disease on line.So far , I think, there is no cure.
M-L
Ta!