Cockatoo Feather Abnormalities Without PBFD?

[Cockatude]

I know a forum is no substitute for a vet, but it's Saturday night.

My citron-crested cockatoo, Maynard, is 21 years old. He has always had excellent health. Yanks his feathers a little, but not enough to see without examining him. Has plenty of feather down.

For years, his lower beak has been a little funny. It grows faster on one side. It has never been a big problem. I nip it with toenail clippers. He doesn't care.

Tonight I noticed he has an abnormal feather on his wing. It looks like it's not going to reach full length. The shaft has bumps on it. It's wavy.

Naturally, I'm worried. I don't know of any explanation for abnormal feathers except for PBFD. I will have him tested. But I'm wondering: is it possible for a feather to have this problem in the absence of PBFD?

Thanks for any info you can provide.

[marie83]

I dont see why it isn't possible to get the occassional deformed feather but get him tested asap, also check his diet. Its unusual about the beak but again its possible that its just something silly like the bird favoring to grab stuff with a certain side of the beak causing uneven wear.

Everything crossed for you. i'm awaiting test results back myself for this disease, my two have been sick on and off for well over a year, just recently ollies feathers have started curling and he is losing then in certain places (we think they are breaking off rather than being pulled). Please come back to this thread and keep us updated.

[Cockatude]

Thanks for the response. I finally found a link to an article written by a vet named Branson Ritchie, saying MANY things cause feather problems like this. You would think the people who write about this disease on the web would take time to point that out.

He says:

Visible feather changes similar to those caused by PBFD virus can be induced by any factor that disrupts the blood supply to the developing feather, including: avian polyomavirus; adenovirus; trauma; bacterial folliculitis; fungal folliculitis; septicemias; malnutrition; endocrine abnormalities and some drug reactions, particularly to penicillins and cephalosporins.

http://www.petplace.com/birds/psittacine-beak-and-feather-disease/page1.aspx

I think we're in the clear. Maynard is pretty old, and the disease is supposed to be rare in old birds. Also, he never gets exposed to other birds, except on rare occasions when I board him with a reputable outfit.

I hope you get the results you're praying for.