More plucking...need advice

africandreams

New member
Feb 15, 2010
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Well I thought Nyeri had almost stopped plucking until I started seeing more feathers in her cage yesterday. I couldnt tell where they were coming from but tonight he was sitting on top of his cage grooming and I could see that he has plucked most of the feathers from his back under his wings. It has been 1 month now since we brought him home.......should he be adjusting by now? He is doing well with me still.....I do believe it is because of my 2 year old. I know it is my responsiblity to teach my child to leave him alone, and believe me I try. He does not bother the bird in a mean way, he is just always trying to open the cage, give him one of his toys and hitting the cage with it, pulling out the tray and pushing it back in, running around being loud etc.. I can tell the bird does not like him and will try to bite if he puts his hands on the cage and has even been upset enough to fling water out at him. The bird likes me, follows me from room to room, lowers his head for me to scratch and plus the regurgiating behavior.

I dont know what to do, I dont have experience with plucking. I am begining to wonder if he would be better off in another home. I dont want to stress him more, but if he bonded with me easily, I think he would with someone else, minus a screaming child. I am really getting stressed myself as I feel hopeless. I want him to be happy
 

Auggie's Dad

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Dec 28, 2007
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South Hadley MA
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Auggie: Dusky Conure
I think you may be over thinking it. Plucking is a habit, it takes a LONG time to completely stop, and sometimes it never does. There are some very happy bald parrots out there.

He won't end up bald, but he may have his little spots. Work on minimizing the plucking, but I would worry too much.

There are some aloe based lotions or misting sprays that can help (a little), but mainly it takes patience.

He's improved since he's been with you, so just keep it up and be patient.

If your kid is bothering him it is something to avoid, but still not that big of an issue. Parrots are long lived, and your child will grow up before you know it. There's no reason to think the stress of the terrible twos would last any longer than the stress of having to move to yet another home and adjust there .... they might even have a kid just turning two too!
 

antoinette

Supporting Member
Jul 6, 2009
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Sunny South Africa !!!
Parrots
African "Grey"
"Mishka"
Male
7 Years old
AD has covered your concerns extremely well.
Sounds like you are bonding so well, keep it up.......
The terrible two's.......... hey they get over it LoL
Try sitting with the bird, showing your son, how gentle and lovable a bird can be.
I know it's easier said than done, set an example, and hopefully he will figure it out.
They are still both "kids" and don't know how to handle each other.
Let us know what you decide
Good luck
 

justwingingit

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Nov 28, 2009
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New Port Richey, Florida
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Macaws: Hyacinth, B&G's, Greenwings, Scarlets, Blue Throated. Afr Grey, Cuban Amazon, Caiques, et al
I have found that my Grey, Simon, can stress during certain situations and then take it out on herself. When I see this happening, I do get her on a few days of chamomile tea. I steep the tea to a strong color, then dilute it with water to lighten the color and make it room temperature. I also found that a cardboard box helps to redirect her to a healthier activity. Good luck and keep us posted.:blue:
 

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