Feather Chewer

mcw009

New member
Apr 21, 2011
149
0
VA
Parrots
Icarus the Moustached Parakeet, Smudge, Pudge (RIP), and Floki the Budgies
Hi all! This is Icarus. I found him in this condition. I have no idea why he plucked all his feathers. He's even missing all his secondaries- chewed off, not plucked. I have a few questions about this.
First, when could I expect new feather growth? I've had him almost 2 months, and he hasn't begun growing any pin feathers. I'm worried he damaged the follicles and never will (not that I will love him any less if he always looks like a floofy awkward fledgling!)
Second, he recently chewed of a retrix. So apparently whatever triggered this, I haven't solved. I'm concerned it may be boredom. He has toys, but for the most part shows little interest in them. Any tips on getting him to amuse himself, or something to try to stop the feather plucking would be greatly appreciated.
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stephend

New member
Jun 7, 2011
432
0
Denver
Parrots
Acorn - a Yellow Sided Green Cheek Conure;
Bob - a Cockatiel;
Cricket - an American Budgie
Bob seems indifferent with his toys too. The only thing that realy seems to entertain him is his millet spray. I have a holder that hangs from the roof of his cage and makes it difficult to get the millet out. He will spend hours at that thing.

I have seen other feeders that are supposed to make eating more interesting for birds and those might help as well.

A toy with a small hole and a favorite treat inside might work too.

I do not know what else to do to help boredom other than spending more time with him.

He could be chewing out of stress or habbit as well, but other than those suggestions I am still too new to birds to suggest anything else.
 
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mcw009

New member
Apr 21, 2011
149
0
VA
Parrots
Icarus the Moustached Parakeet, Smudge, Pudge (RIP), and Floki the Budgies
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I do spend as much time with him as I can- unfortunately I work 40 hrs/week, but we spend a few hours in the evening and about a half hour in the morning together. I've been considering foraging toys too- the only toy he seems to like is the wiffleball I hang from his cage and fill with paper shreds.
It also isn't too quiet here when I'm gone because of the budgies. He's not a fan of them but I hope their yaking isn't actively bothering him. I thought it would help him feel less alone when I'm gone.

I'm also wondering if he chewed off the feather cause it was in such craptacular condition. Do parrots ever do that? I would think not but I don't know.
 

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