Feather plucking after loss of an owner

[miloslave]

Good afternoon. My sister suddenly passed away on the 21st of September. I have inherited her African Gray (Charlie) and Moustache Parakeet (Milo) and she has left me here log in details for this forum in an instruction manual, saying I should ask any questions I might have here, hence I am posting on her profile.
I have never owned birds before and even though her instruction manual is quite comprehensive, there is still so many questions.
For now I need some help with the following please.
Both birds are very familiar with me as I have looked after them numerous times over weekends and holidays. The African Grey however is plucking the feathers on his chest and I am assuming that he is grieving the loss of his mom and also feeling our emotions. How do I help him to stop plucking and also help his grieving process. I bought him new toys, I make sure that he is out of the cage as much as possible and play cartoons on the tv when I am not around to keep them company. Not sure what else I can do from my side. Would really appreciate if you can give some advise.

Regards
New bird mom

 

[GaleriaGila]

My heart breaks for your loss, and the bird's... plucking is the scourge of caged parrots... fortunately, it usually isn't dangerous if the skin isn't broken.
Here's a thread that people here liked.
Also, guess I'd review diet routine and toys... try to d what your sister did, same bedtime, etc....
Stick with us. Many here face this problem, and just love their birds as is.. My 40 year old conure began plucking a bit f his neckline the last year or two. I know, it's hard.

 

[miloslave]

Thank you so much for your reply. I will have a look at the thread!!. I will definitely stick to this group as there is so many things I don't know/understand yet. I am a qualified animal behaviorist (canine) but this is absolutely completely new for me.

 

[PrimorandMoxi]

You are a blessing and what we all hope for in life for our babies.

So sorry for your loss.

Since the bird knows you, give as much comfort and love as he will allow...??
talk, whistle, understanding.

Try telling him that you wont put up with plucking and that his mommy would be so sad.

 

[wrench13]

Greys are so prone to this. Being so intelligent has its draw backs I suppose. I would try to do as much interaction with his as possible. Talking with him, playing, scratches, training for tricks - anything to get his mind off the loss. Their emotions are much the same as ours.

 

[GaleriaGila]

I love this place. Where else could we turn?
I wish I had had a PF back in 1984, I tell ya what!!!!!!!!!

 

[kingkrab29]

Good afternoon. My sister suddenly passed away on the 21st of September. I have inherited her African Gray (Charlie) and Moustache Parakeet (Milo) and she has left me here log in details for this forum in an instruction manual, saying I should ask any questions I might have here, hence I am posting on her profile.
I have never owned birds before and even though her instruction manual is quite comprehensive, there is still so many questions.
For now I need some help with the following please.
Both birds are very familiar with me as I have looked after them numerous times over weekends and holidays. The African Grey however is plucking the feathers on his chest and I am assuming that he is grieving the loss of his mom and also feeling our emotions. How do I help him to stop plucking and also help his grieving process. I bought him new toys, I make sure that he is out of the cage as much as possible and play cartoons on the tv when I am not around to keep them company. Not sure what else I can do from my side. Would really appreciate if you can give some advise.

Regards
New bird mom

So sorry for your loss and hearing about Charlie and Milo's Mom passing. As mentioned, greys are intelligent and mourn like humans. It sounds like he's depressed over the loss. As others mention, speak to him, play music, whistle, give him his favorite foods and interact as much as you can. Both of them are in shock no doubt. It's always tragic when the loss is sudden and there's no time to prepare. Stay in touch here as there are many who have good advice.

 

[LaurieLJT]

Good afternoon. My sister suddenly passed away on the 21st of September. I have inherited her African Gray (Charlie) and Moustache Parakeet (Milo) and she has left me here log in details for this forum in an instruction manual, saying I should ask any questions I might have here, hence I am posting on her profile.
I have never owned birds before and even though her instruction manual is quite comprehensive, there is still so many questions.
For now I need some help with the following please.
Both birds are very familiar with me as I have looked after them numerous times over weekends and holidays. The African Grey however is plucking the feathers on his chest and I am assuming that he is grieving the loss of his mom and also feeling our emotions. How do I help him to stop plucking and also help his grieving process. I bought him new toys, I make sure that he is out of the cage as much as possible and play cartoons on the tv when I am not around to keep them company. Not sure what else I can do from my side. Would really appreciate if you can give some advise.

Regards
New bird mom

I’m so so sorry for what you r going thru. Thank you so much for taking your sister’s birds in and making such a good effort in taking good care and joining this forum seeking advices as so on. God bless you

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

**HUgs** SOrry for the loss of family! It's always rough. My plucker is also named Charlie, and he started just after losing his mom after 20 years with her. He's a Peach Front Conure and seems to pluck his chest only. He molts, and grows in his feathers, and by the time it's time to molt, he's plucked himself to his fluffies. Nothing seems to stop him.

Hopefully, you can find the help that Charlie needs here. It's a great source of information

And welcome to the forum!!

 

[rheashard2]

I too feel your loss. As above distraction can be a big help. Did your sister use TV or streaming? If so try alternating different programs. Same w music and radio. Sometimes the exact same can stimulate negative emotions because you (they) expect thier favorite person to do a particular response. When it doesn't happen then grief can recurre.

 

[RCC8]

Sorry for your loss. There is a product that I began using on my parrot that worked for feather plucking called Feather Grow. Website is called feathergrow.com. Maybe it will help?