#aviculture

CURLY SUE - an ENGLISH BUDGIE with Feather Duster Syndrome
(Melopsittacus undulatus) ©Maryann Rizzo

Note: I first posted about this genetic mutation in English Show Birds back in December of 2010, but I recently received a post from Maryann Rizzo, an AFA certified Aviculturist who rescues birds and Feather Dusters from Breeders as a hobby and who owned the “Curly Sue” the bird pictured. Here’s what she said…

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Curly Sue was my first of 6 feather dusters.  She was a Cinnamon Grey Green color mutation. She was rather high functioning, could perch well, could climb. I kept her in a small cage in case if she fell off the bars, that way she wouldn’t hurt herself.

Feather Dusters do not eat constantly as in an article I read, they eat normally like any other bird, IF they can see the feed dish, which I made sure of. 

Curly Sue'ss grooming consisted of shaving/scissoring around the eyes, as you can see in her photos, her vent and scissoring the lower belly and chest feathers as they grew so long she would step on them and trip.  They do have an odd croaking noise rather than a chirp, yet, my other hen Candy Girl, did in fact chrip and sing but with a deeper voice, but it was lovely.  

Curly Sue lived 10 months.  She was the second longest lived of my flock. 

She was a VERY sweet, beautiful and friendly bird. They really are lovely beautiful creatures. I simply LOVE the look of them.  Alll that curly feather growth, not unlike a frilled canary. The excess feather growth however takes a real toll on their system and if you don’t or can’t keep up with their nutritional needs they go very sparse in feather. All my birds passed away with amazing full feathers. 

As I say, very beautiful birds.  If you handle them from the nest, they are extremely calm and freindly.  If you keep their eyes clear, they can see well and are unafraid.

Other photos you may enjoy:

Andean Cock of the Rock

Victoria Crowned Pigeon

Frizzle Chicken

Buff-laced Polish Chicken

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I can now be emailed at: [email protected]