Stress Bars

[radiogirl995]

I have read a ton of information about them...but got a good look at them today...on my Tuki's tail!

I'm so sad and feel a little like a failure. I thought we were doing so well.

The AV said Tuki is in good health, so I'm not worried that he is sick...I guess I'm more worried about his diet. He just won't eat his veggies. He loves fruit, berries and the odd carrot...but he just won't eat anything green. I have regularly offered them for 2 months now...no go.

I guess I'm hoping the bars are from the stress of the airplane flight to BWI and getting used to a new home?

[Lisa B]

Kris,
stressbars can come from lots of things...overpreening while the feathers are growing in, a fall, and landing on them, bumping into things hard enough to disrupt the blood flow during developement.
It happens really from the slightest trama to the feather as it is growing in.
If your baby wasnt eating well, the feathers would look poor all over.So stress bars come from more things then diet....

so dont beat yourself up...its probably from the plane ride and getting used to the new cage.

One day Tuki will try the greens, ya just gotta keep trying. Sydney at nearly 4 is just starting to like spagetti!!! now what bird in thier right mind doesnt like Spagetti? I have offered it to him every sunday for almost the past four years.....he is just finally starting to try it.....I think because he's afraid his sister will eat us out of house and home, and he better eat while its offered...
Emma is a little pig-o-let!

[krisisett]

What are stress bars and what do they look like?? This is new to me. I need to read up. Shheesh!! Good luck to you Kris.
Lisa, I have to say, you're great!! You're always there when someone's in doubt!! Thanks for that!!
~Kris~

[Tiki]

If the stress bars are on your new baby bird, they got there when he was growing his new feathers at the breeders. It isn't YOUR fault. They will moult out and as long as he has a healthy diet and lots of love from you, there won't be any stress bars on his new feathers. Tjinimin has them too, he is only now just starting to molt them out. He is almost a year old now.

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by krisisett

What are stress bars and what do they look like?? This is new to me. I need to read up. Shheesh!! Good luck to you Kris.
Lisa, I have to say, you're great!! You're always there when someone's in doubt!! Thanks for that!!
~Kris~

Kris, thank you...thats very sweet!!
I try to help th best i can.....


Stress bars are white lines that would criss cross the red tail feathers. sometimes if its very stressed, it can damage the feather in that area so its not smooth. it is a lack of pigment that shows up as a line due to damage.
Miss Emma has one that is pretty visable. I will take a picture and post it by tomorrow.
I'm pretty worn out today...not feeling good...but will get back to you!!

[radiogirl995]

The other Kris is right...you guys have been really great.

I'll try to take a pic of Tuki's tail feathers later too...just like Lisa, I'm not feeling well today.

Every week at the market I buy fresh greens -- shaking my head the whole time because I know Tuki won't touch them. Along with blueberries, eggs, sweet potatoes, birdie bread and anything GOOD FOR HIM!!! LOL

I do thank my lucky stars he's all about his pellets! As I type, he's crunching on some now.

[bekfreak]

Bella just has a few ratty feathers from her learning her way about the cage. She does preen herself alot. She did this in the store as well, but I'll have to see about the stress bars...

Bella is still learning what good foods are around. :)

[Lisa B]

Here is Emma's butt...I mean stress bar...notice the white line on her red tail...


hope ya feel better Kris......

[radiogirl995]

Thanks Lisa-
Yes, better today. Hope you are feeling better too?

I am actually VERY happy to report that I gave Tuki a vegetable medley of carrots, corn, peas and green beans and he ate a LOT of it! Well...except for the peas. They are all still at the bottom of the dish.