What's wrong with my conure?

[cokeclassic]

Hello,

I have a 5 month old GCC that has been losing feathers(or plucking) around his neck, some on his chest and some on his back. It is mostly seeable around his face. Is he bored? I provide 5 or 6 toys for him and try to switch them weekly. I am not quite sure how to "rub" the twigs from his face. I have posted pictures to show what I am talking about.

Thanks for the help!

Please see update post 8

 

[Bobioden]

He is molting.

 

[Pedro]

Hi cokeclassic, as mentioned your little guy is molting. At around 5 months of age the GCC goes through a mini molt where they loose feathers mostly on the head. You don't have to worry about cleaning off the twigs as you put it your little man is capable of doing that himself. Molting is a natural part of a parrots life. He will go through a more complete molt at 12 months where he will replace his flight & tail feathers.

 

[Remy]

Those "twigs" are pinfeathers! The casing will eventually come off and there will be regular feathers inside. The bird can take care of those himself.

 

[Bobioden]

Hi cokeclassic, as mentioned your little guy is molting. At around 5 months of age the GCC goes through a mini molt where they loose feathers mostly on the head. You don't have to worry about cleaning off the twigs as you put it your little man is capable of doing that himself. Molting is a natural part of a parrots life. He will go through a more complete molt at 12 months where he will replace his flight & tail feathers.

Maxx's first molt lasted 3 months. Give him/her plenty of baths, it loosens the pinnies up and your bird will love you for it.

I put Maxx in the sink and turn the sprayer on low and warm, and he LOVES it.

 

[cokeclassic]

Thanks a lot guys!! I feel relieved.

 

[IcyWolf]

Yep, he's just molting, can't ever hurt to be overly cautious That's what makes a good parront

 

[lene1949]

He is molting.

Yep... that's what it is...

 

[cokeclassic]

Hey guys, thanks for all the help!!

Unfortunetely, I'm still scared that it's more then molting. Here's a picture of him under his wing... has he been plucking that? It's a lot worse then it looks in this picture... is it normally gray down there? Also it doesn't seem that his wings have fully grown out yet... they were cut in July when I received the bird.

 

[Remy]

Yes, it's normally gray down there. On Puck he has gray and orange feathers, and i can even see some skin under the wing, but it hasn't changed since I got him! It's symmetrical under both wings.

You're a good parront! :-D

 

[Neravas]

that lil guy looks fine. when i got Codex she had a lot of pin feathers and down all over, but it has since turned into nice green and blue feathers!