Green Cheek, not sure if this is normal

[joanncat18]

Her feathers on her chest and back are almost all those "fluffy" grey feathers and it's been months and they don't seem to be growing back. Is this molting or is she ill?

Also, I started making home made candles as a hobby but I don't really burn them much. Mostly I will give them away. Is the candle making process dangerous for her as far as fumes go? Would soy candles be better?

[NotEnoughTime]

She's plucking... Chewing off the tops of her feathers. Take her to a vet and get her checked for any medical reasons for plucking. IMO 90% of plucking is behavioural in nature - so it is likely you will need to deal with this behaviour.

Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Feather Mutilation and Plucking in Parrots & Exotic Pet Birds
Parrots - Feather plucking in parrots - Learn causes and remedies for feather plucking and feather chewing.

The feathers may never grow back completely or fully - but if the behaviour is corrected then she will look better.

Can a moderator move this to the Conure forum?

[mary313]

I'd see a vet!

[jenseits]

Yeah, sorry to have to confirm: that's not a molt. Please have your avian vet check her out.

[NotEnoughTime]

Originally Posted by joanncat18

Is the candle making process dangerous for her as far as fumes go? Would soy candles be better?

Some people say that burning candles is dangerous for a bird's resperatory system. What goes into making candles? Melting wax and?? what else??

According to popular theory a parrot's resperatory system is somewhat suceptable to fumes that would not affect us.

Despite the plucking issue - which I feel is likely different from your candle making issue - I would consider ensuring your bird is well away (perhaps with a fresh air source) from candlemaking.

BTW - how is her behaviour? Does she have any other behavioural issues (screaming, attacking other people)? How long is she "left alone" every-day?

[magdalena]

Unless you are adding scents to the wax I don't think melting the wax itself is bad if you're not using a non stick double boiler but I could be totally wrong.

[hollyhawkz]

I have read where not only manufactured scents are dangerous, but essential oils are as well. Also some wicks contain lead, which goes into the air when burned.

[NotEnoughTime]

Originally Posted by hollyhawkz

IAlso some wicks contain lead, which goes into the air when burned.

This is the primary concern (in addition to the essential oil burning) as outline by gbird in that wonderful discussion that took place a couple of weeks ago...

The other issue I would consider is the oxygen use of burning (anything). Without a proper fresh-air intake oxygen can be quickly depleted causing an increase in carbon monoxide and leading to carbon monoxide poisoning. If humans are suceptable to this type of poisoning (and there are many cases per year) then it seems likely that birds will be many-times more susceptible... But I have no idea of the situation and all my thoughts are speculation...

[hollyhawkz]

Hey, did you know that there is a forum just for us conure owners. A Green Cheek Conure, and a Parrotlet are two very different species. Look for all us conures owners under Conures. Hope to see you there!