As previously mentioned on this forum, Charley is a "runner" and has no flight feathers (or long tail feathers). What he lacks in feather, he makes up in mischiefnous (if there is such a word!)

 

I have had Charley for only two weeks and will attach photos of him then... and now. To me it looks like he has grown a flight feather on his left side. Is this possible? Are they likely to fall out again or is it possible that he will grow flight feathers on one or both sides eventually? He is a lovely boy and will eat millet from my hand.. did this after only one week...however doesnt want to step onto my hand (yet). He doesnt bite, just nibbles if I hold him.. as I have had to do twice when he escaped from his cage.

 

first Charley as he was two weeks ago..

 

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x112/tm...arleyincage.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x112/tmkoroi/Charley1.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x112/tmkoroi/CIMG0184.jpg

 

and these taken this afternoon.. first photo a bit "close" but i wanted to get the feathers in the shot..

 

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x112/tmkoroi/CIMG0209.jpg

http://i183.photobucket.com/albums/x112/tmkoroi/CIMG0212.jpg

 

I am interested to hear about the flight feathers if someone can give me some information on their possible regrowth?

 

Also.. how old do you think he might be?

Edited September 16, 200717 yr by thk

It varies with French moulters, I’m not sure if it depends on how early they get the virus or their immune system. Some never grow back their feathers others grow them back in a few weeks, other keep growing them only to have them fall out again. Looking at your latest pictures, I think you are going to be lucky, it looks like he has already grown most of his feathers back & they look pretty strong looking to me, better not trust him too much as he may start flying one day.

 

He looks quite young, at the most I would think he’s been out of the nest one month.

He may not have actually had french moult. I have heard that chicks that are dehydrated when they have their pin feathers coming through can loose their flights and tail feathers and it appears like french moult. So maybe if you are lucky this is the only reason why he is missing his feathers

He may not have actually had french moult. I have heard that chicks that are dehydrated when they have their pin feathers coming through can loose their flights and tail feathers and it appears like french moult. So maybe if you are lucky this is the only reason why he is missing his feathers

 

thanks for your reply. You may be right. He is looking so much better than two weeks ago and it even looks like he's beginning to grow tail feathers. he still has his flight feathers on the left (I'm hoping it wont fall out!) and they do look very healthy. the other side is also beginning to grow larger feathers. he does a lot of flying around the cage and stretching and flapping his wings now, almost as if he's proud of his "new look"!! Fingers crossed that they stay "on" and dont fall out!!!

:ygbudgie: Hope that Charley can get some flight going for him.