Conure Plucking?

nstrachan28

New member
Feb 4, 2013
7
0
Toronto
Parrots
Yellow Sided Conure (Suzuki), Cockatiel (Raffi)
Hello,

I am a university student and I live off campus. I am originally from Toronto but my school is located a few cities away. I return back home almost every weekend but due to the fact that it is midterm season I have not been home for three weeks. I recieved an email from my mother today stating that my bird has lost all of his red belly feathers.

Attached is a picture. I am afraid that perhaps he is bored or is depressed because I am not with him and has plucked out his feathers. He has done this once before when I went away for a week a few years ago. I took him to an avian vet who instructed me to wait a few days now that I am back and see if it worsens. And it didn't. He stopped plucking and his feathers grew back.

Does anyone think this is plucking since I do not see skin showing? or perhaps he is ill and his feathers fell out? (I do notice that places he cannot reach still have feathers, such as his head, which is why I am more inclined to believe that this is due to plucking)
 

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Yes, looks like plucking. The feathers left are down body feathers to keep him warm. He misses you. Since you live off campus, why can't you bring him with you? I lived on campus, and had a parakeet with me. Pets weren't allowed, but, nobody told, and everyone loved him.
 
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Thanks for the quick reply.

I had him stay with me before but my roommates did not enjoy him waking everyone up at 7 am (although I was used to it). I also used to live in the basement and there was just not enough light coming in. It was always dreary and dark.

I have moved to a different bedroom now. I just wanted to make sure he wasnt molting. I'll bring him here this week.

Again thank you.
 
That's good you can bring him with you. It certainly looks like plucking (haven't experienced it first hand but I've seen enough videos and pictures to recognize it).

Plucking can be a bad habit to break once started. Even after your bird has been reunited with you, the behaviour could still persist. First, do not rule off medical reasons. Perhaps his skin is dry/itchy (humidifiers and a good diet of fresh veggies help).

Give him lots to do with a variety of toys: Shredding toys most especially, anything he can pluck, shred, tear to bits. Foragers with his treats in them, chew toys, natural perches, bells, whatever you think he would like.

Give him tons of attention when he is not plucking. Distract him when he does. I hope your bird gets better soon! Best of luck to you guys and keep us posted!
 
I never experienced pluckling first hand but I have seen pictures. I think it will be great to for you to bring him with you. But as already stated I would not rule out medical reasons. While spending time with him and a having a variety of toys can help not all plucking is due to bordem or behaviour issues.
 
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Thanks for all the advice everyone.
Suzuki's been with me for 5 days now and he hasn't been plucking thankfully. He's been cleaning his feathers in the same fashion he usually does, he took a bath while squawking cheerfully, and even takes very good care of his grey fluff. He's very energetic and back to his regular self.

I will keep an eye on him for the next few weeks to see if it starts up again, but so far so good.

This is him indulging in a clementine treat. And the other photo is him before the plucking :(

Thanks everyone.
 

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Glad to hear he is doing better. Apparently he is really attached to you:)
 
What a sweetie! It's good to hear that he's doing much better.
 

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