Macaw and plucking feathers

kall6900

New member
Jan 23, 2021
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Dear Forum,

recently my 3 years old Macaw from time to time I see few feathers fallen, not sure if she started Molting or it is an issue with my Bird.

I have not had her for long yet to see proper molting as of yet, I really do not know how does it start or ends with these birds.

I would say 2 or 3 feathers a week are lost medium-size ones.The question, is this considered an issue or is it normal behavior to lose one or two feathers a week? or is she started the molting process? pls see the sample below

should i take her to Vet for this ?

Appreciate your help

25929d1614688051-macaw-plucking-feathers-bd7eddf2-16c2-4a31-94fd-c1c91723550d.jpg
 

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Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Welcome to you and your young macaw! The feathers you submitted appear well worn and naturally detached. Can you post one or more pics of entire bird for reference?

Doesn't appear to be a serious problem with the caveat of not seeing your bird in entirety. A periodic "well check" of a parrot with certified avian vet (if available) always a good idea. Does your macaw bathe frequently, what sort of diet?
 
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kall6900

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Jan 23, 2021
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Welcome to you and your young macaw! The feathers you submitted appear well worn and naturally detached. Can you post one or more pics of entire bird for reference?

Doesn't appear to be a serious problem with the caveat of not seeing your bird in entirety. A periodic "well check" of a parrot with certified avian vet (if available) always a good idea. Does your macaw bathe frequently, what sort of diet?

Thanks for your advice, below is a bird picture.

I will take her some time to the Vet soon when Covid-19 restrictions waved.

I bathe her once a week and she is on somewhat good average diet. like Fresh vegies, fruits, nuts, seeds and sometimes home food, like cooked vegies, rice and beans.

she sleeps well 12 -13 hours a day. Yes, the cage is small for her but can not help at the moment until I get her new customized one.

25933d1614757365-macaw-plucking-feathers-ebcccf10-cb58-4340-8701-b3e37382390d.jpg
 

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WhiteFlight

Member
Parrot of the Month 🏆
Aug 20, 2020
237
28
Dallas, Texas
Parrots
Meisha: Umbrella Cockatoo | Female | 03/09/1989 Hatch Date
12-13 hours of sleep a day is impressive.
Does she spend much time out of the cage?
 

WhiteFlight

Member
Parrot of the Month 🏆
Aug 20, 2020
237
28
Dallas, Texas
Parrots
Meisha: Umbrella Cockatoo | Female | 03/09/1989 Hatch Date
12-13 hours of sleep a day is impressive.
Does she spend much time out of the cage?

Yes she does , average 3 hours per day and sometimes more

Nice, good for her.

It's been my experience flight training can help promote positive feather maintenance, a good coat. That is of course if she is not clipped.

Regarding molting, Meisha does not engage in a dedicated molting cycle. Artificial lighting could be a factor. She might lose a couple in a week. She can weeks without losing any.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
32,673
9,789
San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
Parrots
Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Welcome to you and your young macaw! The feathers you submitted appear well worn and naturally detached. Can you post one or more pics of entire bird for reference?

Doesn't appear to be a serious problem with the caveat of not seeing your bird in entirety. A periodic "well check" of a parrot with certified avian vet (if available) always a good idea. Does your macaw bathe frequently, what sort of diet?

Thanks for your advice, below is a bird picture.

I will take her some time to the Vet soon when Covid-19 restrictions waved.

I bathe her once a week and she is on somewhat good average diet. like Fresh vegies, fruits, nuts, seeds and sometimes home food, like cooked vegies, rice and beans.

she sleeps well 12 -13 hours a day. Yes, the cage is small for her but can not help at the moment until I get her new customized one.

25933d1614757365-macaw-plucking-feathers-ebcccf10-cb58-4340-8701-b3e37382390d.jpg

Feathers overall look terrific, she's a beauty. All else sounds excellent, so I wouldn't worry much about the feather loss pending eventual visit with vet.
 

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