Plucked Feathers... Help?

[Lainie]

Hi there, I recently adopted a Green Cheek Conure who's mother had been plucking its feathers from his back and tops of his wings. I can see his skin in spots, he is roughly 8-10 weeks old and I am wondering if these feathers are going to grow back? It is a big unsightly but also he seems like he is cold the poor thing shivers. I am new to conures so any advice or experiences shared will be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance!!

 

[Kiwibird]

8-10 weeks old means he is probably a baby who still doesn't have all his feathers yet, hardly enough time in his life to develop a plucking habit. That comes from many years of abuse and neglect. Is this bird even weaned (i.e. eating all solid foods)?

Edit: IF the mother was plucking the chick, then there has not been enough time to permanently damage the death follicles, though he will likely be bald in those areas until his first molt.

 

[Lainie]

Thank you for your quick response, he is eating soft solid food and he's very friendly and social so I don't think he was abused, maybe a little neglected? I haven't noticed him plucking any of his feathers and the seller told me that his mother had been plucking them so I was inclined to believe that, should I question that? When do they molt? I have been noticing a lot of little fluffy feathers coming off his chest...

 

[MikeyTN]

8-10 weeks old is fully feathered already and should be fledged! Give him time and keep up with his nutrition as the feathers may grow back if the feather follicles aren't badly damaged.

 

[alcmene]

8-10 weeks old means he is probably a baby who still doesn't have all his feathers yet, hardly enough time in his life to develop a plucking habit. That comes from many years of abuse and neglect.

There are LOTS of birds who are deeply loved, well cared for, and have never been abused or neglected who pluck.

Heck, watch some of Dr Pepperburg's videos, the famed CAG Alex was a plucker.