My green cheek conure won't eat in cage and is losing weight. Why?

Ding Ding should reach maturity and full size between 1 and 3 years of age. A weight of 60-80 grams is to be expected with a length of 10-11 inches. This includes tail length. Feather health is related to environment and diet. Blood work and a physical exam would be needed to assess major organ function. At the current age, there is plenty of growth and development ahead. Continue to feed a quality pelleted diet (Harrison's, Lafeber, Pretty Bird, Exact by KayTee). Supplement with a small amount of fortified seed mixes and fresh fruits and vegetables. Daily interaction and play time is key to developing strong bond and prevent behavioral issues.

I would recommend getting a small scale (possibly a food scale) and weighing ZR every day for a week. IF he weight decreases but goes back up I would not be to concerned. IF you find his weight decreases over the week but he is still eating I would recommend taking him to the vet for blood work. weight loss could be a sign of illness in ZR. With his young age I really think it is most likely a normal change in weight due to growing and maturing

Adult green cheeked conures (that's what Angel looks like) weigh between 60 and 80 grams. They average 70 grams. He seems to be on schedule in regards to weight. You can feel his breast for a pronounced keep (breast bone), if there isn't much muscle mass, he may be a bit thin. It is always recommended to have an experienced avian veterinarian examine a new bird. An exam can confirm good health or may diagnose pre-existing conditions. Beak growth can vary from bird to bird. Beak trimming isn't typically done unless the beak is overgrown. A young bird would not be expected to have an overgrown beak.

I'm sorry to hear Scooby isn't doing well. Weight loss and the inability to fly are concerning problems that could be caused by a number of things including poor diet, internal parasites, illness and injury. Making sure Scooby is on a balanced diet is a good first step, however I would also recommend bringing him into your local vet to check for any parasites or underlying illness that could be causing his symptoms. Moving him to a warm hospital cage if he is housed with other birds, and with easy access to food and water may also help until you can be seen by your vet.

Bird droppings normally contain some green as well as white and some liquid. If you feed mainly seeds, the droppings will be mostly green. A pelleted diet will make droppings darker. Some feather loss is normal as she matures. Her first molt may be around 8 months of age. Symptoms of illness that warrant an exam with your veterinarian include lethargy, decreased appetite, loose droppings, perched with feathers fluffed, vomiting or excessive regurgitation.

Weight loss in birds has multiple causes (parasites, poor diet, GI disorders, etc.). Ideally, your bird should be physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet to diagnose and treat any underlying medical causes. Blood work, x-rays and a fecal exam may be recommended.

At his current age, you can start weaning him off of hand feeding formula. Begin to gradually decrease the amount and frequency of feeding. Offer a commercial pelleted diet and a fortified seed mix. Millet sprays can also be offered. Check his crop to ensure he is eating. You can continue to supplement as needed though to prevent weight loss. The droppings look normal for a chick being hand fed. The increased liquid can result in loose stool. Expect the consistency and appearance of droppings to change once the transition to solid food is made. Contact local breeders, bird keepers or even zoos to get information on avian veterinarians that will be able to examine Kiwi if necessary.