Molting or Plucking?

[Cleo]

Cleo doesn't look so hot. I am concerned she may be plucking, but so hope its molting. I will be contacting the vet first thing tomorrow morning to get her checked out to be sure. I just want some reassurance or opinions on what she looks to people that know more about birds than I do. She is my first bird and she is only 5 months old. I can say that she is more moody then normal...really worried about her. There hasn't been any recent changes in diet or routine.

 

[god61021]

I think she is just molting. I could be wrong but thats usually what my bird looks like when shes molting.

 

[GiosMom]

Looks to me like molting ....only because of the spots behind her head which are hard for a plucker to get too. During a molt the feathers get sore and that can explain the moodiness. Trip to the vet is a great idea....also ask your vet for recommendations regarding soothing sprays. Good luck.

 

[Cleo]

Looks to me like molting ....only because of the spots behind her head which are hard for a plucker to get too. During a molt the feathers get sore and that can explain the moodiness. Trip to the vet is a great idea....also ask your vet for recommendations regarding soothing sprays. Good luck.

I was thinking that myself, but I have read up on plucking and one said they can use their claws to get near their head. I did noticed that the places in her head where feathers are missing that their are stems growing that have a lil fur in them that made me think that it was molting, but better to be safe then sorry! thanks

 

[GiosMom]

I am actually bird sitting a B&G who is molting and super sore! Those little floofy things popping out of the head look just like his. As far as plucking and using claws they usually mess with their heads last. The new pin feathers (stems you are referring too) are also blood feathers so hence the soreness. Have you ever jammed your finger or toe and had that terrible throbbing sensation that hung around for a day or 2? My bird people compare the irritation they feel to that. So just be patient. It takes few weeks for the molt to be completely done. As long as he is pooping and eating normally I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[Cleo]

I am actually bird sitting a B&G who is molting and super sore! Those little floofy things popping out of the head look just like his. As far as plucking and using claws they usually mess with their heads last. The new pin feathers (stems you are referring too) are also blood feathers so hence the soreness. Have you ever jammed your finger or toe and had that terrible throbbing sensation that hung around for a day or 2? My bird people compare the irritation they feel to that. So just be patient. It takes few weeks for the molt to be completely done. As long as he is pooping and eating normally I wouldn't worry too much.

Good to know what it feels like. I hope it goes by fast for her then because I am sure that hurts!

 

[Bobioden]

Green Cheeks are not ones for plucking so I would say she is molting. Give her Tons of baths to help her through it.

 

[AFP520]

Will a conure that is molting sometimes make light squawks and flap wings? My lucy has been acting a bit funny today. She seems normal in other aspects (always wanting to preen my lips) lol

 

[Featheredsamurai]

I also agree with molting, a good thing to do is examine the dropped feathers and see if the ends are bloody, squished, or chewed up if your not sure Sometimes birds do play with fallen feathers though.

 

[Cleo]

I also agree with molting, a good thing to do is examine the dropped feathers and see if the ends are bloody, squished, or chewed up if your not sure Sometimes birds do play with fallen feathers though.

Thanks. I have looked at them and they look completely fine.

 

[Cleo]

Green Cheeks are not ones for plucking so I would say she is molting. Give her Tons of baths to help her through it.

I haven't heard that before. That is a good thing to know.