Feather Growth

[TonyM]

As I've said before, Zuri plucked before I got her. Her back and wing feathers are growing in nicely, but her chest is still mostly bare. She has grown a few feathers on her chest, just not many. Also, when she has her wings pulled in, up against her body, the tips nearest her head are bare. Her head and neck seem to constantly have new feathers coming in (where they are least needed) and her back seems to get new ones at a decent rate. But again, her chest seems to be way behind.

I was told that because her chest is covered in down feathers, that she will grow back her feathers, in time, if she lets them grow. Is that true? Or is it possible that she won't ever grow them back?

Does anyone with experence with plucked birds know how long it takes for feathers to grow back? Does her body prioritize which feathers to grow first? I mean, will she grow back her head, back, and neck feathers before moving to her chest?

If she doesn't grow back her chest feathers, do I need to take any additional steps to compensate for the lack of feathers?

Thanks!

[NotEnoughTime]

If the feathers were chewed off and the feather follicles are damaged then there may not be much regrowth of feathers.

If she is happy then don't worry about it - the feathers that can regrow will, and those that can't won't. It will take time (a year or more) before all feathers that can grow out will grow out...

[TonyM]

I guess, honestly, part of it is the embarrassment of everyone asking "What is wrong with her?" when they see her chest... :-/

[Lisa B]

Originally Posted by TonyM

I guess, honestly, part of it is the embarrassment of everyone asking "What is wrong with her?" when they see her chest... :-/

just tell them its what some parrots do. There is nothing to be embarrased about. some just do. as long as they are healthy- thats ALL that matters.