Leo is older than I thought...

[SouthAmericanFever]

Before I got her, I was told Leo was 7 going on 8, the same age as Charlie. Since Charlie is still young and vibrant I had no problems with that.

Turns out, according to her band, Leo is 10 going on 11!

It's not so much just her number age because 10 can still be considered young for a Quaker. My biggest issue is that she was on a strictly seed diet for at least the last three years and probably her entire life! She's slightly bow legged for some reason, and she just doesn't look healthy and shiny like Charlie does. Even her old owners, upon seeing Charlie commented how pretty he was... I didn't know he was any different from other Quakies but he's obviously really different from unhealthy ones!

She just looks so "old lady" at a ripe young 10. What can I do to improve her health and hopefully prolong her life? She's already started on a better diet but now she's prone to diarrhea at times. I assume that's because she's not used to it (that's what the vet said too). I give her more seeds than the rest of the birds still to wean her off of them of course. What else can I do to get my old lady to look good and pretty and shiny and healthy? Will she ever be fully healthy or is she near the end of her life because of the years of sub par nutrition?

[xafsmom]

Hard to say on her life expectancy. The best thing to do is to do what you're doing; giving her a proper diet and lifestyle. You never know, we humans trash our bodies for decades and go on a fast spiral to early demise ..then we buck up, get on the right life plan and life to our 80s! Here's hoping Leo gets that same luck!

[SouthAmericanFever]

Thanks Tina. The good news is she was flighted in her last home so maybe the exercise helped. She's doing well transitioning too, better than expected! It's just the diarrhea part that scares me. I'll also pick her up some Benebac and see if that helps any!