Aviary bird no tail, bad wings

Question
Hi
I have had birds, esp. cockatiels for many years.
I pass a public aviary every day whcih has 5 cocky's and 4 budgies and 2 days ago reported this sick bird to the authorities that run the park. The bird has just got the bare quills sticking out where it's tail was and the wings are showing the same signs at the bottom. It is sitting on the concrete floor, but appears to be drinking and eating. They say the vet has been to see it and have provided a box for it but it is just sitting on the floor (it is bitterly cold outside at night now with frost. The vet reports that apart from the lack of tail and lower wings it seems healthy and he cannot understand why it is not flying. To me it would be becuase it cannot fly up to the perch. I have volunteeered to take the bird in until it is better and am waiting to hear back. What do you think could be the problem with it's feathers? Being picked on by other birds? Disease?

Answer
Hello Alison.  Thank you for your post.
It is always heart wrenching to me to hear that someone is not taking good care of their birds, and that it could and most often does result in the bird's death.
There are many things that could be a factor with this bird.
It could be that it's being picked on by the other birds.  It could also be self mutilation.  Some birds will pluck their own feathers out if they are stressed out or unhappy.
It could also be something as simple as a case of mites.
His lack of flying could be from the loss of feathers, or it could be from old age, or weakness from being sick.
In any case, this bird needs to be taken away from the rest of the birds until it is better, or at least until somebody can find what the problem is with it.
Hats off to you for offering to take this bird and nurse it back to health.  Most people wouldn't do that, and I think that it is wonderful that you are willing to do it.

I am not sure what are you are in, but most states do have laws about animal neglect and abuse, so you can also check with your local authorities if the condition of this bird doesn't improve.

Please keep me updated.  You can e-mail me direct if you'd like.  My personal e-mail address is
karmor22@hotmail.com

Good luck and God Bless.
Dianna