Cockatoo bald on chest??

Peppagirl · Jun 2, 2016

Hi everyone,
Just need a bit of advice, my mum has a cockatoo, it was actually my dads but he passed away 14 years ago. McEnroe (the cockatoos name) was dads best mate. Since then every few months McEnroe has started plucking badly and would you believe started laying an egg which shocked my mum because they always thought he was a boy. So you can imagine her shock when he laid an egg. Prior to dad passing away she never laid an egg, did something trigger this to happen. Mum always knows when an egg is about to be laid as McEnroe always plucks her self badly to the point of being complete bald on her chest. What can I suggest to mum to try and stop the plucking? Her cage is huge, has lots of thing to chew on, mum feeds him seed and vegetables. She is hardly alone as mum is home all day as she has retired. He is outside through the day and at 5.00 she brings him in the garage for bed, if she doesn't McEnroe will let her know by screaming it's time for bed. Hope you can help. We think McEnroe is about 30 years old.

plumsmum2005 · Jun 2, 2016

Hi, my first thoughts are - has McEnroe had a check over lately by your AV? Your post hints at hormones but it would be wise to seek prof help and check she is OK IMO.

Grief will have affected McEnroe as well as you and your family, possible this is the change that led to an egg?

Bit concerned that she gets put to bed in the garage? Is there a reason she doesnt come into the house? Garage in the true sense of the word is not a place she should be kept IMO.

If she is outside all day and in the garage at night what human contact does she get? Cockatoo's need companions and if they do not feel this mix is right or are being caused stress they will pluck.

Presume she was bonded to your Dad? Someone needs to take his place as the 'one'. Someone she can come to for reassurance, a play and a cuddle. For a cockatoo just having someone around is not enough. If you think permanent three year old child you won't be far wrong. Is there someone in your family she has a preference for so that she can have some one on one time?

Hopefully some food for thought for now?

Peppagirl · Jun 2, 2016

plumsmum2005 said:
Hi, my first thoughts are - has McEnroe had a check over lately by your AV? Your post hints at hormones but it would be wise to seek prof help and check she is OK IMO.

Grief will have affected McEnroe as well as you and your family, possible this is the change that led to an egg?

Bit concerned that she gets put to bed in the garage? Is there a reason she doesnt come into the house? Garage in the true sense of the word is not a place she should be kept IMO.

If she is outside all day and in the garage at night what human contact does she get? Cockatoo's need companions and if they do not feel this mix is right or are being caused stress they will pluck.

Presume she was bonded to your Dad? Someone needs to take his place as the 'one'. Someone she can come to for reassurance, a play and a cuddle. For a cockatoo just having someone around is not enough. If you think permanent three year old child you won't be far wrong. Is there someone in your family she has a preference for so that she can have some one on one time?

Hopefully some food for thought for now?

Thanks Plumsmum, the garage is under the main roof near the lounge and only for bed. I agree with you but she's not my bird or house. She's been sleeping there for 25 plus years. I think I'm his go to person as I physically get in the cage with her and she cuddles into my neck and kisses me and she absolutely trembles when she does this, it makes me want to cry. I hinted to mum today that I would take her to my house - now that I'm more confident with how much it takes to care for a parrot. Mum took her to a vet years back when all this started and everything came back fine. If I had my way I would bring her home with me and she'd be inside.

plumsmum2005 · Jun 2, 2016

It looks like she loves you and as it has been years since a check up she must be due another DYT? There could be some vitamin deficiencies for example.

Keep working on Mum but sometimes it takes time to digest things and reach a decision. Would Mum be happier with a smaller bird as a suggestion and to counter losing McEnroe? You could help with that right? Let Mum know the importance of the bond that she has with you, I feel that probably the only way the plucking stands a chance of lessening is by her seeing you lots more. But hey she could still come back for the odd holiday maybe?

Keep us up to date please

Peppagirl · Jun 2, 2016

plumsmum2005 said:
It looks like she loves you and as it has been years since a check up she must be due another DYT? There could be some vitamin deficiencies for example.

Keep working on Mum but sometimes it takes time to digest things and reach a decision. Would Mum be happier with a smaller bird as a suggestion and to counter losing McEnroe? You could help with that right? Let Mum know the importance of the bond that she has with you, I feel that probably the only way the plucking stands a chance of lessening is by her seeing you lots more. But hey she could still come back for the odd holiday maybe?

Keep us up to date please

Totally agree with you. I'll work on Mum, I don't think mum will get another bird. I visit quite often as they only live 6 doors down the road so I get to see her more often than not. I'll also speak to her about another vet check.

plumsmum2005 · Jun 2, 2016

It's great that you are so close to your Mum as in live in the same road. The fact that McEnroe wouldn't be going far is also good. Maybe a compromise if you work and are out all day - she spends the day with Mum and comes to you for the evening? Galloping on ahead now but there are solutions to be had.

Obviously Peppa and Angus have to figure in this dilemma too and only you will know or at least have an idea how things could work out. No point solving one problem to create another IMO. Ideal world all three are happy together, fingers crossed.

Peppagirl · Jun 2, 2016

plumsmum2005 said:
It's great that you are so close to your Mum as in live in the same road. The fact that McEnroe wouldn't be going far is also good. Maybe a compromise if you work and are out all day - she spends the day with Mum and comes to you for the evening? Galloping on ahead now but there are solutions to be had.

Obviously Peppa and Angus have to figure in this dilemma too and only you will know or at least have an idea how things could work out. No point solving one problem to create another IMO. Ideal world all three are happy together, fingers crossed.

That's right, I especially don't want to compromise Peppa and Angus, I've come so far with them on such a positive level. Would love to bring McEnroe for a day visit but she will not leave her cage, I've tried to get her out before but she is just too scared. I can get in there with her and cuddle but she will not leave. Baby steps, have to work on mum first. Thank you for your help and advice.

Scott · Jun 2, 2016

I would definitely suggest McEnroe have another vet check, but with cockatoos plucking is sadly an avocation that is difficult to prevent.

First, some have a small naturally "bald" spot on the chest that is typically covered by adjacent feathers. This is true for some of my Goffins that have lived with me since day-1. I have two others that pluck a small zone on the chest. Everything else is perfect, seems to be there "go to" site for whatever behavioral reason.

shesaravenclaw · Jun 2, 2016

It's also worth mentioning that lots of female birds pluck their chest when they're getting ready to lay so theyll have better skin to skin contact with the egg to keep it warm...
Hope you figure it out!

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

wrench13 · Jun 2, 2016

When I read this "she cuddles into my neck and kisses me and she absolutely trembles when she does this," I get so sad that this bird is not with the person who can make her feel like this. This cockatoo LOVES you!

Peppagirl · Jun 2, 2016

shesaravenclaw said:
It's also worth mentioning that lots of female birds pluck their chest when they're getting ready to lay so theyll have better skin to skin contact with the egg to keep it warm...
Hope you figure it out!

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

Yes, McEnroe only plucks when an egg is about to be laid. Once it has been laid she looks beautiful as her feathers have grown back. I think it may be hormonal.

Peppagirl · Jun 2, 2016

wrench13 said:
When I read this "she cuddles into my neck and kisses me and she absolutely trembles when she does this," I get so sad that this bird is not with the person who can make her feel like this. This cockatoo LOVES you!

I would love to have her too. I may need to have further conversations with mum (nagging) about McEnroe. My only concern is how would McEnroe cope being in a new environment after living with mum for at least 25 + years.

Cockatoo bald on chest??

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