Feather Pluckers ❤️❤️

Guest41995 · Jun 23, 2025

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Nico is still beautiful although he has a feather plucking issue. I finally get to see a male Ekkie tail in person & up close, and not barbered. I didn’t even know Ekkie’s have red feathers under their wing. I finally got to see them too. There are some really pretty colors on Ekkie’s.

Yes, Nico is perfect no matter what he looks like I just get excited when I learn new things about him.

I’ve met Ekkie’s in person that are fully feathered but not up close. They didn’t especially want to step up or get near a stranger.

saxguy64 · Jun 23, 2025

Nico IS beautiful! Not gonna lie, I've been smitten with him from the time you introduced him to us. Perfection doesn't lie in a flawless appearance, but in their whole being.

Vampiric_Conure · Jun 23, 2025

Charlie's chest feathers seem to have grown back, even temporarily.

He seems to be a seasonal plucker... when he moults, his feathers are left alone. It's weird.

wrench13 · Jun 24, 2025

Sa;ty's plucked areas seem to be growing back their feathers, but will take time. He may turn out to be a seasonal plucker too.

DonnaBudgie · Jun 24, 2025

Pluckers are beautuful birds, too!

My favorite Chicken Thoughts!

Guest41995 · Jun 24, 2025

Nico appreciates the support. He often gets asked why he doesn’t get euthanized based upon what he looks like. It’s hard to explain to people that he’s a perfectly healthy boy. Most people think he’s sick.

wrench13 · Jun 25, 2025

My friend has his Ekkie 37 years and he's been a plucker the whole time.

saxguy64 · Jun 25, 2025

kme3388 said:
Nico appreciates the support. He often gets asked why he doesn’t get euthanized based upon what he looks like. It’s hard to explain to people that he’s a perfectly healthy boy. Most people think he’s sick.

Nothing worse than people spouting opinions based on sheer ignorance. Maybe they should be euthanized because of their inability to see past their own stupidity. Just saying...

DonnaBudgie · Jun 25, 2025

Let's euthanize them because they're ugly.

rheashard2 · Jun 30, 2025

There's someone on wiki how who does a video with parrots. One of the stars is a severely feather plucked and rescued CAG. It was obvious that he knew he was a star. Being retired RN, I think in medical ways. When my first CAG started plucking I compared it to a chain smoker, heavy drinker etc. Distraction and redirect is the best. But some don't stop. It didn't interfere with our interaction. I consider myself fortunate that he stopped. It was gradual. But when upset, changes in my routine or the moon rising, he'd start again. I was the one who needed the help. I was beating myself up for awhile. Then I did a lot of reading. I asked my avian vet once. He referred me to several articles and books. I feel sad for feather pluckers. But I don't reject them. I was happy seeing that video. My thoughts... maybe it'll help curb spontaneous purchases.

Guest41995 · Jun 30, 2025

rheashard2 said:
There's someone on wiki how who does a video with parrots. One of the stars is a severely feather plucked and rescued CAG. It was obvious that he knew he was a star. Being retired RN, I think in medical ways. When my first CAG started plucking I compared it to a chain smoker, heavy drinker etc. Distraction and redirect is the best. But some don't stop. It didn't interfere with our interaction. I consider myself fortunate that he stopped. It was gradual. But when upset, changes in my routine or the moon rising, he'd start again. I was the one who needed the help. I was beating myself up for awhile. Then I did a lot of reading. I asked my avian vet once. He referred me to several articles and books. I feel sad for feather pluckers. But I don't reject them. I was happy seeing that video. My thoughts... maybe it'll help curb spontaneous purchases.

I used to feel awful about Nico’s feather plucking. I tried to help, and tried anything that was suggested. I spent some time googling, and researching myself on causes. There are a lot of things out there that are suggested as the cause. Diet for an example is one of the first things a vet goes to when it comes to feather plucking. There were a lot of other things that were suggested the diet is just an example that I’m giving. While I do agree to feed my parrots a diet that doesn’t consist of donuts, and chips as these things aren’t exactly healthy for us either. All of these things really didn’t change the outcome. I really don’t think we fully understand why some parrots feather pluck in captivity. I don’t spend much time focusing on that aspect of things. I just enjoy Nico’s company, and try to enrich his life with things he enjoys. He really likes to sit on a stand, preen, do tricks, and watch me. He really gets excited to come out of his cage. His chattering is so adorable. I myself just adore Nico, and accept that he’s a feather plucking cutie.

Pickle's Mom · Jul 1, 2025

wrench13 said:
Sa;ty's plucked areas seem to be growing back their feathers, but will take time. He may turn out to be a seasonal plucker too.

Piccolo is doing the same. Feathers seem to be growing back. I did think I saw him pluck the other day though, but not sure. He was to where I could barely tell his plucking had happened. I suspect he is plucking a little every once in awhile.