Molting or Plucking

[Jimmy]

Hello...recently in the past 3 days i've noticed some strange behavior in my severe macaw...i know generally speaking they CAN be a little nippy. Gus bit me today while holding him...he's never done that before. I know that he's only 3 and that macaws get a lil nippy at certain times of the year....are we in the right time of the year for this to occur..also i can't tell if he's plucking or molting, he's had a problem with plucking in the """groin area""", but never on his abdomin region, he kinda looks like one of those body builders with that HUGEEEEEEEEE chest, and that itty bitty waist, does this sound familiar to anyone at all, he went to the vet about a month ago for his annual, vet said he was the best looking severe macaw he's ever seen, he associated the plucking "down under" to almost definitly be either lack of showering, or seperation anxiety. In regards to showering, i put gus in the shower 1 time a week with me, but he doesn't like it...he just sits there. This might be normal, but from what i've heard birds usually flip their lids when showering. Do you feel that 1 shower a week is enough? Should i shower him more? Is he plucking, or is he molting? i live in NY btw if that has anything to do with it.

thanks:)
Jimmy

[Monica]

Some birds enjoy bathing more than others. It's like humans, some will take a shower twice a day, while others may only take a shower every other day, or whichever suits them best. It's hard to say if he is plucking or not unless you witness him plucking, or you see bare spots/red skin in the suspected area. You might try to figure out a different way to get him to take his bathes (the sink, spray, etc). Many birds even learn to enjoy the rain! You may try bathing him 2 or 3 times a week to see if you notice any difference, and after the showers, you can check and see if you can take a look at his skin to check for any redness.

Nippiness wise, yes sounds about right during this time of year.

[The Outlaw]

I'm showering everyone every other day during the spring molt. Seems that's always the worst one. Your severe is likely removing the down now. Its like taking off your long johns. However, birds should never have any bald patches. If you notice a bald patch, check the feathers on the cage floor. Usually, plucked feathers can have a mangled look. Molted feathers usually look pristine.

THE OUTLAW

[Vankarhi]

My eclectus Skye loves to shower, absolutely loves it. My galah Bo, hates to shower, but loves to be in the rain and shower - go figure!!!

I have never had a feather plucker, but have seen Skye with a feather in her claws happily chewing it. I freaked, then realised it probably fell out on its own and she is checking it out. she has no bald patches, and is beautifully feathered. The only reason I freaked is because apparently they are renowned for plucking.