New to Macaw ownership

[brycehill]

I just bought a blue and gold macaw. Ive never owned a bird before and she and i are getting along great! my question is, she use to be a plucker, shes bald from her chest, down. I was wondering if those feather will ever grow back? please help!

 

[weco]

Yes, No & Maybe.....

Because plucking can be a medical problem, a psychological problem or a habit, you will not know until she starts moulting again. Environment, diet, allergies, second hand smoke, neurotic behavior...all of these could be the or one of the causes. It can also be a addiction...some parrots even pluck and/or mutilate themselves because of the endorphin rush they get from the pain

It will not be an easy or quick process, unless by some miracle, the problem was her previous home & moving in with you cures the problem. You will need some type of log to eliminate things as you go...also, although some species of birds moult throughout the year & others change out their feathers once or twice a year, it will be a time consuming process. In order to eliminate a health connection, an exam & series of tests will be needed, so there will be that expense.....

Good luck

 

[Turquoise]

Welcome to the forum. It is very good that your B&G and you are getting along so well this quick. Hopefully that could mean she was not in a bad situation in her previous home.

Do you know any background on her? And do you know her age? That info can help us know a little more about your darling & can better help us help you with any more questions you may have.

Good luck with her & does she have a name yet? As was suggested already, a checkup with an avian vet will help determine if your B&G's plucking is associated with diet or illness. It is always a good idea to have your new birds checked out, just to be on the safe side.

 

[wenz2712]

Welcome to the forum

 

[brycehill]

lets see...my macaws name is Polly. She was already named. I was told she is 16. The reason the previous owner got rid of her is because, once the woman got a boyfriend, Polly started wanting him and would have nothing to do with her. she said she had Polly for about 10 years.

 

[blackhawk007]

This kinda sounds like the one that Harleyrider was going to pick up. If so its good to have you join the forums and researching so quickly.

Can you send some pics of the bare spots so we can take a look at the areas?

 

[brycehill]

 

[MikeyTN]

lets see...my macaws name is Polly. She was already named. I was told she is 16. The reason the previous owner got rid of her is because, once the woman got a boyfriend, Polly started wanting him and would have nothing to do with her. she said she had Polly for about 10 years.

That's a poor excuse to get rid of a bird!!!

She might of started plucking because of the new bf issue. Yes I agree with others that it'd be wise to have her checked out by a vet. They may grow back if she is healthy and keep her on a good diet with plenty of toys for her to chew up. Java was in a smoking home and poor diet so he plucked, he have since grew them back nicely. Dixie used to pluck but she only barbers the tip part and her crown, I can tolerate that better then plucking. Gracie is another story, still working on her....

 

[brycehill]

the previous owner said that polly plucked even before the new bf. Im just trying to her out of the cage every second im home and give her lots of fruit and veggies.

 

[Turquoise]

Awww, poor baby. She is still a beautiful macaw!! She seems very comfortable on your hand and it sounds like she has found a super good home finally. So, there is a chance with your love & patience she will quit, but it is a long slow process.

 

[brycehill]

Thanks everyone for all the input!

 

[MonicaMc]

I can see what appears to be a lot of feather follicles in the plucked areas. I think it's possible for the feathers to regrow, but not all of them.

My cherry headed conure (RIP) also had a bare stomach, but his stomach was mostly smooth (no tiny little bumps indicating there's feather follicles underneath the skin) except for one area that would grow 1-3 feathers.


A sprouted seed and pellet based diet along with fresh fruits and vegetables, nuts, the occasional cooked eggs, healthy grains and healthy legumes may help - along with foraging and making sure that the plucking isn't medical in nature.

 

[Remy]

Congratulations on your new bird! I am a new macaw owner too (last fall) and I love it!

 

[HarleyRider]

Welcome Bryce, yep. That's the macaw I was going to get . But she sold her to you first. She is a friendlybird. Good luck with her plucking.

 

[HarleyRider]

the girl you got her from told me she started plucking her feathers a couple of years ago. She does take to men . Loves to be held and have her head rubbed.