New Bird... Sick or molting?

[CanHopper]

Today I purchased a peach-faced love bird... Not knowing too much about the species other than child hood memories of my mothers mating pair and their offspring flying about our house.

I ended up finding a few places that sold the species within the area, and checked them all out. I ended up putting in a search on craigslist trying to find an adequate bird cage for a decent price... and ended up finding an offer for a cage and love bird.

Initially I went to check out the cage... But ended up coming home with it's owner. But heres the thing...

The man selling me the bird didn't seem to know all that much about the bird... He said it had belonged to his son and didn't really know too much about the species. I didn't pay much mind to the discoloration on the birds chest and back... as it had seemed to be rather startled at the time and I didn't want to induce any panic. The seller informed me that it had been a few weeks since the bird had last been handled and would be needing a little time to be tamed. Also made some side note about the discoloration potentially just being signs of the bird molting...

After me and my girlfriend got the bird home(the bird being something of a gift for her...) We opened it's cage and gave it time to settle into it's new environment before any attempt at stressing the bird further than it currently was after the drive home. So... after a couple of hours the bird finally pearched itself on the roof of it's cage and giving us a look over for a while. Eventually we decided to take a chance and introduce ourselves... The bird ofcourse was weary and backed away into the furthest corner of the room. After a few more tries and some time, he eventually let us pick him up without too much hassle or debate. At this time... He'll pearch on our shoulders for long periods of time... before making his clumsy trip back to his cage, the distance is typically a bit of a stretch for his trimmed wings to carry him. But anyways... the point is-

After taking a closer look at him I've noticed some strong discoloration on his back and breast. Not being too knowledgeable on the subject I took to the internet going through threads trying to find some answers... and all I've found is panic. We've already become attatched to the little guy... Esecially my girlfriend seeing as it's something of a gift from me. I'm just a little concerned for his well being.

Diet: I'm assuming the previous owner kept him on an all seed mix diet... seeing as thats all the evidence that could have been found in his cage. Just empty seed shells... I've already changed his diet after reading threads on the internet... I've given him a few slices of fruit and some vegetables. Tomorrow I'm picking up some pellets amongst other health related things.

Droppings: I've noticed no problems with it's droppings... No discoloration and seemingly not too watery or solid...

Cage: The cage he's in now could be a little bigger... It's a nice height just not too roomy in the corners... (It's one of the "house" shaped bird cages. That have a thinner uper story) Theres only a few perches... but he seems to enjoy whats there. Tomorrow I'm getting him some toys and more pearches... But once he's tamed we plan on letting him out to his hearts content.

Calls: The bird hasn't made all that many loud pitched noises since we got him home. I'm just not sure if it's because the way he feels... or just the new environment sinking in.

Age: The previous owner... said he estimates the bird is roughly 15 months old... Around when he remembers his son getting the bird.

I have a lot of concerns about the previous treatment of this bird... but at the same time there was a breeding couple at the same place exposed to the same conditions who seemed more lively than ever... And with vibrantly colored feathers...

[mayaexquisite]

Hi! Is it possible for you to post crisper photos? Those two are very grainy... is that RED discoloration on the back, mixed in with the green? If so, you may have a red suffusion lovebird. You'll want to take it to the vet ASAP because, although not much is known about red suffusion, it's debated that it's due to poor diet and I think something having to do with the liver?

Here is some info/discussion on red suffusion:

Lovebird Color Genetics Calculator

Red Lovebird? : Lovebird Chat

It's great that you're getting as much info as you can and are already changing the baby's diet!! A bigger cage - with more width than height - will be good for your bird, as well as lots of toys to rotate often. Different sized and textured perches will be good for overall foot health.

What is his/her name?

[CanHopper]

I'm kind of in a rush... but I took a few more pictures in the sunlight.... Thank you for the quick reply... I'll be calling around later this afternoon.

[mayaexquisite]

Yup, you've got a red suffusion lovebird. Very rare!! But like I said before, take him/her to the vet to make sure it's healthy and doesn't have a dietary problem or liver disease. Please keep us updated!!

[shosh]

He's a beautiful bird!!! Always good to take a rescue ( or adoption..or purchase) in for a check-up especially in this case....
Love the colouring...hopefully, he's healthy.
Congratulations on the new addition!