Should i be overly concerned?

[Dustin]

Today we noticed one of Mojo's (quaker) legs is missing feathers on the inside of his leg. It has been hot here lately and he is going through a molt. I was wondering if this could be the start of something serious(plucking or mutilation) or if it is not uncommon.

[kp_in_scott]

I'd jsut watch it for now. He may be real itchy from the molt and may have over preened in that area. Extra baths?

[mamalovesrico]

Dustin, I really don't know and am not (knock on wood) experienced enough with any plucking birds.
Murray does pluck his feathers out just above his talons. You can barely see the skin but it's obvious. This is a result (I think) from some kind of itching he has with his talons from perching in his water dish for two years.

[Mlewis]

I haven't noticed that with my quaker during his molt or the heat. Like someone said, I'd keep a watch on it

[CrazyBirdLady]

We had a Quaker that had bald legs. He plucked them prior to coming to live with us and continued for the duration of his stay. Perfectly healthy, apparently he wanted to show off his stunning chicken legs.
It could very well be because of the molt. If I had a bunch of pinfeathers coming in all at once, I'd plucking something to relieve the pain. Extra baths (which Quakers love anyway) misting and maybe a new preening type toy for distraction. Like was stated before, just keep an eye on it.

[birdscomefirst]

Just a question, Does your bird reach through the cage bars to play with a toy hanging on the side of the cage. One of my guys routinely messes up leg feathers doing that.
Bill

[birdsnthings]

Looks like an issue to me however, just watch and don't make a big fuss over it with the bird.
What has changed for your bird? Diet? Handling time? Is this one of breeding age?
Alice

[Dustin]

he will be 2yrs old in a few weeks.

nothing has changed in in the last months or so. But he has been acting normal.

No hanging toys outside of his cage.

We looked a little closer and he does have about 5-10 pins coming in on his bold leg...so we will monitor it.

[birdsnthings]

I have seen several Quakers that have been plucking. Ususally around the neck and sometimes the legs. Could be this one is becoming sexually mature. If the problem persists, I would have some blood work done to make sure this is not a medical issue. Then go from there.
Alice

[Samm]

Dustin:

It doesn't look too bad from the pic, but do keep a close eye on it. If you remember my Phoebe started plucking herself, and ended up chewing her toenails off, and she passed soon after that. If you notice any weird behavior, please get him to the vet, OK?