Plucking Umbrella

[igloo9201]

Hello all!

So, I am aware that plucking is usually a boredom/stress issue. I know why birds usually pluck.

My zoo's Umbrella 'too has been plucking his chest a bit. We always, /always/, give our birds tons of toys, we rotate toys, and they get plenty of keeper interactions and such. So I'm a bit perplexed as to why he's plucking. :T
The ONLY time I've ever seen our birds be stressed is when our African Grey went through a very brief, minor plucking phase at the beginning of this year. Our other toos are doing fine (Moluccan, Major Mitchel's, Galah), so I'm not sure what's up with Roxy.

And I'm just a Junior Keeper so I can't decide/dictate/comment on his enrichment, when he's taken to the vet, yadda. I'm just curious as to why he would randomly start plucking when he's usually a very happy bird.

Could it be hormonal at all? Because he's a pretty hormonal bird (he masturbates on his favorite keepers' arms...).

 

[RavensGryf]

Plucking is not 'usually' a boredom stress issue (although certain species may be more inclined for that reason). Very often it is medically based, hormones, metal toxicity is very common, and probably more rarely food allergies.

Sounds like maybe he should see the zoo's avian vet at this time. They can do some tests, and would be the best person for an answer beyond a guess. Good luck.

 

[PatW12]

My goffin was about 8 when she started plucking. That is right at prime breeding age. She gets hormone l u p r o n e ... Spell checker as needed and they tamp it down well. As she gets older, the plucking seems to moderate. I think as her hormones fall off, she will stop.