It is very possible that the Parrot had just completed an extensive molt and will not start setting new feathers until the next major molt. If true you are likely looking at a longer time before replacement feathers are set.
A Picture of the cutting or simply answering the questions will be helpful in providing any additional information...
1: Just how long ago did the wing feathers get cut? 7 mongths
2: Just how much was cut (how close to the wing structure)? My acquitance can't tell for sure.
3: Just how much of the wing feathers had been cut (i.e. only primary, primary and secondary)? From the looks of it primary and secondary.
I'm leaning towards severe malnutrition because the quality of its feathers is poor on other parts of its body. I started giving the bird a proper diet for ringnecks and see in a months time if I see any improvement. By the way is there a way to tell its gender ? I know how to tell gender in budgies but this is the first time I'm having ringneck. I don't know if it's a male or female.
- Commonly, feathers are naturally replaced in balanced sets on the right and left sides, normally two per side. As the feather ages, it becomes loose from the root and begins to twist and falls out of the root shaft. The empty root shaft begins the process of replacing the feather.
- When all the primary and secondary feathers are cut, replacement becomes painfully slow as no progress is seen, only the empty wings. The fact that the feathers had not been naturally lost, the Parrot's system has no way of knowing that it has feathers to be replaced. Yes, the Parrot is aware of the fact that it can not fly, so at least the 'process' has been moved up. Our DYH Amazon takes about three months between the loss of a set of four feathers to their complete replacement.
- Diet and the extensive demand on the Parrot's energy reserves to replace wing feathers. NOTE: It's not the look of the Parrot that determines its status, it is a combination of weight and feel of the chest. It is possible that your Parrot needs time to replace its energy reserve prior to creating new feathers. Malnutrition 'can' place the body into feather creation shut-down as reserves are sparingly used to maintain life. You do understand what you are saying about this individual , right? If true, you want a signed document from them that they are turning over the Parrot to you forever more! No take backs, you are the new owner from 'x' date forward. Do that ASAP!