I didn't think it would happen.

[greyburd]

But, Spencer is actually plucking. I'm trying not to overreact, b/c I know how he could pick up on that. I'm assuming it's because he's molting. There are lots of pin feathers coming in in the area that he's plucking. He's plucking on his chest, just under his neck. I've taken a picture so you can see where it is. I've started spraying him down every morning with a water and aloe gel mix. Is there something better I should be using?

I'm really hoping it's the molting that's causing the problem. I know I've been stress a bit because of my new job. I'm trying not to let it show around him. I also started to notice the feathers after I put him into his new cage. So, there could be many factors to the problem.

Any suggestions would be grey'tly appreciated!!

Thanks

[homebird]

Ohhhhhhhhh no - I'm heart broken for you
Hope you can get help that works.

How old is Spencer? Has anything like this happened before? New diet? Coating on New cage? Pellets or seed gone Bad?

Very Important: If you're stressed - & it's showing at home - you're going to have to come up with a strategy for you as well. Do something immediately that will positively affect this stress. [Not long ago I tackled stress with aromatherapy & yoga - years before that, some anti-depressants for a week while I looked for another job.]

Maybe get a friend/etc to help out for a bit with the fids? Return to old cage?

edit: these links were in one of the other threads - Bach Flower Remedies
http://www.birdsnways.com/wisdom/ww25eii.htm
http://www.holisticbirds.com/HBN01/may/pages/fe2.htm
http://www.realmacaw.com/pages/muti.html

[bekfreak]

Think the new cage could of caused it? :( Poor Spencer, but I hope it's just the molt too. :((( Poor guy.

[Irish]

They sell a product called "Pluck No More" at the bird store I visit. I've never used it, so I can't recommend it, but the staff there tell me that it works very similar to giving a bird Chamomile tea at half strength. We have used Chamomile tea with Eddie, and the slightly plucked chest he came to us with is now growing in nicely, so maybe it does work :-). Might be worth a try?

[Lisa B]

hummmm...hoping Joel, or John might chime in here.....
is this the only spot he is plucking? how is he eating, and pooping...any different? Sometimes....when its localized, there a reason its localized...I just dont like it being in the crop area...thus the reason I asked.....
If ya need call me....
I have used Pluck no more...and it did work for a while...however, I am going to try rescue remedy for Sydney.....Pluck no more is expencive(I bought a case from kings..you know me..i go to the distributor**LOL**) and the water has to be changed 2 x's a day....if not more.....you also have to use Bottled water....other types of water will not let the Pluck no more be absorbed into the system?????as per Richard King

[greyburd]

Lisa, he's eating just fine. His poops look the same. Nothing has changed in that area.

I'm just hoping it's because he's molting. There are lots of pin feathers in the area that he's plucking. And he's really been wanting me to rub his head a lot lately. I'll just have to keep a close eye on him.

Thanks for all suggestions and comments.

[bekfreak]

Yeah molting is an itchy thing. My little guy wanted a heck of a lot of scritchin. How old is Spencer btw? If it's the new job if there's a food store nearby maybe bring him back something.

[Regina U.]

Don,
I know this is upsetting you. Hopefully it is just the molt. Try giving Spencer just bottled water and nothing from the tap. Just to see if that makes a difference. The other suggestions were good ones also.

Maybe it is just a combination of the new job, new cage, and the molt?

Big hugs,
Jeannie

[Dustin]

i can't offer help or advice, but i am hoping it is nothing serious!!

[greyburd]

Ya know, I think I will try giving him bottled water. I have lots around here, and lord knows I don't drink as much as I should.

According to the breeder I got Spencer from, he should be a year old this month. Don't ask what date, b/c the breeder didn't even know. (We won't get into it about him right now).

Thanks, Dusty!!