[Jer]

Hi Zazi,

First of all, this bird needs a vet check. Birds normally don't let you know when they are sick. I have two african grey congos and a maxmillian pionus parrot. When you say the breast bone is showing, do you mean it is literally showing or protruding? Does he have feathers on his breast bone?
Sounds like the owner of this bird has NO clue on diet. Anyone will tell you that you NEVER give CAGS, (congo african grey), caffeine, alcohol or chocolate. It can be deadly to them. If this bird is eating seeds only, you need to slowly introduce him to other foods. My birds eat everything I eat, excluding what I mentioned above. Do you know how old the bird is? Maybe to put some weight on the baby, you should try bird baby formula. Feed out of a spoon. Be extra careful not make it hot as it can burn them easily. But they also won't touch it if its cold. Broccoli is usually a real hit with them also. Cook up some scrambled eggs, shells included, but make sure the shells are cooked well to get rid of any bacteria. Banana's, apples (no seed or peels)grapes, cantalope. Then use the food he is use to eating and add pellets. Mine won't eat the plain kind. They will eat the colored ones. Some people feed pellets only, but I feed a variety of things. He may not want what you are giving him, but you have to be consistent and keep offering it everyday. It takes a long time for them to adjust. My maximillian, I have because he was abused and ate seeds only. I have had him for about 5-6 months now, and he is just now starting to eat like my other birds. ITs takes time and patients. But the results are very rewarding for you as well as the bird. As far as bathing, I shower mine every other day. They get full on showers.. bottom of the tub, turn on the water and they love it. If he is not use to the shower, mist him daily until he is comfortable with the shower or at least a bowl he can clean himself in. It will take a while to see physical improvement, but you will see a change in attitude with this bird. Also if you live in an area where the air is dry, he needs a humidifier. That is one reason birds pluck. I live where the air is very dry and I have to keep one going all the time or my birds start to pick themselves. I wish you good luck with this and hope you can stick it out. Its worth the wait. These are things that have worked with my birds, not all are the same tho. Hope some of it helps.
Also TOYS TOYS TOYS!!! Another reason for plucking is boredom. They need to have things they can destroy, even if its a piece of cardboard. Keep us updated, I will be curious to see how this develops.

Jer