Plucking feathers and being aggressive?

[lia]

Hello! I’ve had Rico for a while and we’ve been doing so good! He’s been coming out of the cage excited everyday!! Sadly I had to move out of town for a month or so for exams and I left him with my parents (my mother adores him) and my little brother. I couldn’t take him with me since I have a rabbit which freeroams and has a TON of stuff. I return today to see a lot of feather plucked out? I’m not sure what it is really I’m no expert in parrots but I’m very worried. He’s also quite aggressive(?). He bites a lot and hard which he did not do before I left. he’s not even a year old so when my mom told me over the phone I just thought it was because he might be changing feather like rabbits change their fur.

Is this something serious? How can I help him? Maybe a vet? More toys? Enrichment? Is he bored? I really don’t know and I really don’t want him unhappy! Thank you all in advance!!!

 

[OttoVonRuthless]

Is he molting? Molting (completely normal) could be the reason for both aggression and loss of feathers. From the picture it looks like molting, I see a lot of pin feathers.
I would watch him closely to see if he's actually plucking or if he's just molting. If he's plucking or you see bald spots or blood on pin feathers take him to the vet for a check up.

Either way I'd give him more space (don't force petting, , kisses, or coming out of his cage) make sure his cage isn't in a drafty area, offer baths a few times a week for comfort. Sit in the room with him and softly interact, by being there., offer his favorite treat. When Otto molts I give him plain scrambled eggs or hard boiled egg for extra protein.

 

[wrench13]

Looks like molting not plucking.

ANd parrots are more then capable of harboring a grudge for a perceived slight, like being absent for a given time. Be patient and treat him like you just got him. Start from scratch.

 

[Vampiric_Conure]

I'm also voicing molting as a reason he's losing feathers. The pin feathers are itchy and uncomfortable, so he's gonna be cranky for a while. Add to that the stress of you not being there and he's gonna act out When you're over, start small and treat him whenever you have out-of-cage- time with the feller. The others have excellent advice. Good luck to you! .