visited a rescue in ct. over the weekend

brianc

New member
Jul 21, 2017
14
0
Littleton, Massachusetts
Parrots
Looking for a macaw
Hi All,

I went on a rescue visit over the weekend. It's more a foster home run that takes in fosters and rescues. Miami is a 19yr old B&G with 1 prior human companion that had him since hatch (minus the breeder of course). I haven't seen the paperwork for everything. It was just an initial visit.

The circumstances seemed that the prior family had a death and Miami couldn't be cared for with the same vigor.

He's been in foster care for ~6weeks w/ checkups and chipped. They say they do dna as well. (again, not seen paperwork - too early)

The foster home was a healthy env. with about 8-9 birds + dog.

My questions are molting/plucking related. Breast down feathers are intact but under wings against the thigh area and back under wings have seen loss of feather. There seems to be pin feather coming in and its been hot. The home does have AC.

The B&G needs some weight compared to the other B&G the foster home owner has (fully feathered and well care for). My guess is that the prior conditions started to deteriorate and that forced the prior owner to act accordingly.

I've read the threads on molting & plucking but obviously since I've mentioned it its a concern I have. It was a good visit and he climbed on me and what not. (up the arms and around the shoulders). Rubbed his beak on my face. Not a lunger or a screamer but I'm not afraid either.

Cage(right sized) and affects are all part of the package should the adoption go forward. I've got a couple visits left as the process goes. But the plucking/molting issue is an issue I must seek/learn about.

I only had an hour and a half there. The foster mom was good and knowledgeable but being a novice myself I couldn't ask the right questions.

Thoughts/comments
 

PrimorandMoxi

Well-known member
May 29, 2015
474
658
New Jersey
Parrots
Max (23yo) Blue and Gold Macaw,
&
PRIMOR (8yo) Red Lored Amazon,
&
ABBA (33yo) Red Lored Amazon - RIP
sounds great
and sounds like he needs you.

His feather condition may be diet related or depression.
They are hearty creatures and with care and love he will be in good feather in no time...?

I have a thirty five year old amazon. when I got her four years ago her feathers were in terrible condition with many bald spots.
Her skin was grey-ish and I thought, those follicles will never grow feathers.
Now she looks like a new bird.
she has a ton of feathers, down feathers and pink healthy skin.
She just needed love and nutrition and a vet visit.

good luck.

I wont discuss my B&G because he would give you a bad impression of the species and make you have second thoughts.
 

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
Parrots
1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
It is not uncommon for a parrot, even a typically very happy and well adjusted one, to suffer depression or anxiety about major life upheavals. Plucking is a common manifestation of stress and depression in parrots. Loosing a human, then being abandoned/given away by the family they've known their whole life with no comprehension of why must be a terribly confusing and sad thing for a parrot to go through. Even if it was the right thing for the bird because the family could no longer provide adequate care, the bird cannot understand that. It doesn't sound as though the plucking has been a long term issue and sounds to be a direct result of recent life stressors. The fact pins are growing back suggests it can likely be turned around at this point by acceptance into a new family and some TLC and will likely have caused no harm to the feather follicles, allowing for full re-feathering with time.

He sounds very much like he likes you and that he is likely seeking that acceptance and approval from a human again. Parrots are very very social animals and need to feel loved and accepted. Hopefully, everything will all work out for both of you:)!
 

Cas27

New member
Jul 27, 2017
220
1
NewJersey
Parrots
Blue and gold macaw,green wing Macaw,goffins cockatoo,Congo African grey
It is not uncommon for a parrot, even a typically very happy and well adjusted one, to suffer depression or anxiety about major life upheavals. Plucking is a common manifestation of stress and depression in parrots. Loosing a human, then being abandoned/given away by the family they've known their whole life with no comprehension of why must be a terribly confusing and sad thing for a parrot to go through. Even if it was the right thing for the bird because the family could no longer provide adequate care, the bird cannot understand that. It doesn't sound as though the plucking has been a long term issue and sounds to be a direct result of recent life stressors. The fact pins are growing back suggests it can likely be turned around at this point by acceptance into a new family and some TLC and will likely have caused no harm to the feather follicles, allowing for full re-feathering with time.

He sounds very much like he likes you and that he is likely seeking that acceptance and approval from a human again. Parrots are very very social animals and need to feel loved and accepted. Hopefully, everything will all work out for both of you:)!
Hi, I agree with the post above about the plucking her whole life has changed on her all at once she probably feels lonely now good luck she sounds like she could use you.
 

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