Plucking question

[SAshley05]

Hello all,

I have had Nacho, a cinnamon green cheek, for almost four years. He has never had a plucking problem before, but I'm afraid he might be plucking. He's been molting, but just today I blew on his tummy, and notice that it seemed like under his feathers he has bald spots. Is this due to plucking? He does have feathers in his cage, but it doesn't seem excessive. I hadn't noticed any bald spots except after I blew on his feathers on his stomach (sounds silly, I know.) Just wanted some input. Thanks!

 

[Allee]

Hello and Welcome to the forum!

Hopefully Nacho is just going through a heavy molt. A good way to tell is to look closely at the feathers. Mature feathers that molt out naturally may be worn but the base of the feather should be clean and in tact. Plucked feathers may be chewed, broken or have skin and blood attached at the base. It isn't always easy to tell at a glance, and not all birds pluck when someone is watching. Here's a link you may find helpful.

http://www.parrotforums.com/behavioral/52217-plucking-search-answers.html

If you'd like to post close ups of Nacho, we may be able to tell you more.

 

[Tierhog]

Hello all,

I have had Nacho, a cinnamon green cheek, for almost four years. He has never had a plucking problem before, but I'm afraid he might be plucking. He's been molting, but just today I blew on his tummy, and notice that it seemed like under his feathers he has bald spots. Is this due to plucking? He does have feathers in his cage, but it doesn't seem excessive. I hadn't noticed any bald spots except after I blew on his feathers on his stomach (sounds silly, I know.) Just wanted some input. Thanks!

Once the feathers are observed from the other response, might I ask how hot it is where you live? Is the AC on? How often outside? Last good soaking bath? My OWA gets a downpour in his cage, under an orange tree in the summer weekly. Skin gets itchy. Just throwing it out there.

 

[SAshley05]

Thanks for the responses, I'll check his feathers. It has been hot, averaging about 100, and the AC is on. He took a good bath today. Thanks for the tips

 

[Mollygirl]

I need advice. Molly just started loosing feathers 3 days ago. I think she is molting. What do you guys think? Here are pics.

 

[Mollygirl]

I need advice. Molly just started loosing feathers 3 days ago. I think she is molting. What do you guys think? Here are pics.

 

[Dopey]

A couple of mine are going through heavy molts right now. But still check the feathers.

 

[Anansi]

If she lost all of that over the course of 3 days then she's most likely plucking. That's definitely not a natural molt that you're looking at right there.

You might want to take her to the vet in case her plucking is a reaction to something.

Has anything changed, lately? Surroundings? Diet?

 

[Anansi]

Oh, and do you have pics of the feathers, themselves? From shaft to tip?

 

[Allee]

I hate to say so, but the second photo of Molly looks like she's doing more than molting.

I agree with Stephen/Anansi, if she hasn't had a thorough exam by an avian vet lately, that's a very good place to start.

I hope this is temporary for Molly. Best of luck and please keep us updated.

 

[Mollygirl]

We had her flight feathers clipped about a week ago. I don't think she likes it. I thought it would be better for training. She use to like to sit on curtains but now she can't fly. I'm hoping she is stressing

 

[Mollygirl]

Thanks for the advice. I'm hoping she is just stressed out. About a week ago I had her flight wings clipped I don't think she is happy. Before she liked to climbb the fountain rod. Now she can't fly. I thought it would be easier to train. V

 

[Anansi]

The recent clipping of her wings could definitely be a contributing factor. Some birds just don't take to it very well. But while this is a possible cause that must be taken into consideration, you shouldn't assume the clipping is the culprit just yet.

My suggestion remains the same. I think taking her to her avian vet is your best bet. While it could very well be psychological, there is always the possibility that the wing clip is a coincidence and she's actually dealing with an allergic reaction or a dietary issue.

I believe this link was provided earlier in the thread, but I think it worth repeating as an excellent resource for identifying the possible causes of plucking: http://www.parrotforums.com/behavioral/52217-plucking-search-answers.html

Please keep us updated.

 

[Tierhog]

Stimulate that girl... toys, foraging puzzles, safe tree branches, baths, open cage time, outdoor time..review her diet... etc. These birds are used to working and need changes.

 

[SoCalWendy]

Yes I have to agree, those pictures look like more is going on then molting. My Kiwi is molting, a heavy molt, feathers are everywhere ugh! But she doesn't look anything like that. She just looks blotchy as her new feathers are coming in.

What type of diet are you feeding, anything artificial? I'm not saying it's the diet, but the more human grade, organic the better. I'd definitely go to the vet to rule out other causes.

 

[Tierhog]

It's been awhile... How's she doing?