Be careful who you point the finger at

[plumsmum2005]

I know the point of this thread is to view every situation with an open mind and a positive attitude, not to judge too harshly or too quickly. Unfortunately, there is a flipside to this particular coin. The reality is, there are monsters out there and the pluckers often get handed off, cast aside, exploited for monetary gain, wind up in a hoarding situation, you name it. When you've worked with a damaged or plucking bird or birds, you can't help but understand how difficult it is to change ingrained behaviors and improve a bird's plucking problems. You tend to put some blame on the previous owners, not neccesarily with malice or lack of understanding, but with anger all the same.

I think everyone with knowledge or personal experience with a plucker automatically applauds anyone brave and selfless enough to take on the commitment. It's hard not to predict the outcome when a starry eyed new parront voices plans to FIX the bird and expects it to happen sooner rather than later. People lucky enough to love a plucker, knows that plucking is only one aspect of the bird's personality. There is often no quick solution, only caring for a special needs bird for as long as it takes, or forever.

Just like with any aspect of bird care there are many ways to approach the same problem. Personally, I would never consider a collar, anti-phsycotic drugs or hormone blockers for my plucker. I've discussed every possible treatment with her vet and together we've chosen a path for her individual situation. I don't want to be judged for my decisions and I don't judge others for making the best possible decisions for their own birds and individual circumstances. Sharing new ideas, understanding and empathy for birds and owners is the important thing.

Allee I for one certainly applaud your decision. It should be love the naked bird for who they are first and foremost and if any improvements can / are made in your life journey together, then that's a bonus IMHO. There is no doubt that to do this and do it well requires a certain type of person and those that do deserve much respect.