Hello

[Andysophie100]

Hello everyone, I've just joined here. Hope I've posted this in the right bit, just thought I'd introduce myself, I'm Andrew and recently bought my first bird a black capped conure called paulie and he's about a year old.

Being a first time bird owner I have a few questions I'd like to ask and hope someone will help to answer. As I said I have a black capped conure I've had him about 3 weeks (not long I know) he's got a good sized cage and lots of toys to try and keep him entertained. He only semi tame in as much as he will take food from your hand but won't step up or anything yet. I have been working in training him to do this and clicker training him just trying to take it at his pace so he's comfortable with everything. But since about two days after getting him home he seems to be plucking/chewing his feathers. He sits for ages doing it just chewing and chewing and even plucked a tail feather.

Being inexperienced I assumed he was possibly moulting and maybe a bit uncomfortable. But after doing further reading on the subject it mentioned that when they are moulting there are no bald patches or grey down feathers visible. Where as on my bird there are maybe 2 small bald patches under his wings and down feathers visible on his back and chest.

Sorry for the essay but I just wondered if anyone had any advice on why he's doing this and maybe how to prevent it thanks

 

[antoinette]

Welcome to the forum
Congrats on your new bird
You have only had your bird for a short time, rather give him time to settle, and adapt to everything around him.
I suggest leave the training till, he seems more at home.

Enjoy the forum

 

[wenz2712]

Hello Andy and welcome to the forum

I love Black Capped Conures.. Do you have any pics of him?

 

[Marcy]

Hi welcome to the forum!

 

[Andysophie100]

Hey thanks for the advice, i think i need to give him just a bit more time to settle in, It does seem he is also in the process of molting as he has alot of pin feathers coming through so i suppose this could have been the reason he was a bit grumpy with himself. Just been a First time bird owner i worried something could be wrong with him, sorry took so long to reply and yeah i have a couple of pics of him, ill try and upload one although not quite sure how to do it

 

[weco]

Sounds like his juvenile moult & since this is a bird's first moult, some have a harder time than others. I wouldn't worry about a spotty patch here or there as all feathers will come out & be replaced, then you can plan on every six months or so.....usually just before mating season, so they'll have their finery on for the occasion.....if such be the case.

If he lets you, you can help him with the pinnies on his head & neck.....just gently squeeze/pinch them between you fingers and/or fingernails, but be careful you don't pull, bend or push them or you might get nipped. After doing a few of them, you should get the hang of it.....they cannot reach the ones on their head or neck.....


BTW - you might want to send a copy of the pic to expedia & ask what their current scale is.....

 

[aConureLover]

Hi Andrew and Paulie and welcome! Paulie is beautiful! My bird, a sun conure, has a very small area under each wing that looks like it has been plucked, but not really. It's just the way the feathers lie. I commend you for being cautious and observant, but you might be seeing what I see. It is the structure of the wing bones that sometimes make the areas look bald. Especially when they are wet. Chiquita loves water and baths everyday. I'm no expert or authority, I just have my one bird and I know him very well. I'm sure others will be able to answer your questions and of course it is good to get a good aviary vet for that reassurance. Best wishes! George and Chiquita

 

[Andysophie100]

Cheers guys you have all put my mind at ease, I was just wanting to make sure he was going to be ok. The grey downy feathers he had coming through we're on his back but they seem to be getting covered over with some new feathers now, so I guess he was just a hit itchy or something.

And yeah he sure loves his baths, although Woud rather squish in the water bowl rather than in the bath I put In for him. Silly birdy lol

 

[aliray]

Welcome to the forum and he is a very pretty bird

 

[CindyR]

Welcome to the forums. I just got 2 sun conures today and am new as well. We can learn together hehe.

 

[Turquoise]

Welcome to the forum Andy. Your baby is beautiful! Sometimes when the pin feathers start coming in & they seem to have them all over it is very itchy. At times a bird will over preen due to the itching, meaning it will bite or chew bits off of the feathers in the itchy area. That is a totally different reason they pick at their feathers than a true feather pluck. A true feather pluck could be caused by environment (previous home), it can also be due to a health issue or poor diet. Something as simple as having dirty feathers & not give the opportunity to shower/bathe can cause plucking. That is why a vet check is important when you first bring a bird into your life.

Good luck & I do hope the feather issue is a minor one with an easy solution.

 

[wenz2712]

Welcome to the forum

 

[Andysophie100]

Thanks to everyone for you input, i really appreciate it. I think it was the fact he was molting as most of the pin feathers have now gone and some nice new feathers in there place, plus hes stopped chewing his feathers and actually seems to be enjoying himself alot more.