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Post by SHER on Feb 9, 2005 19:56:04 GMT -7
HI --I have a female 1 1/2 yr old African Grey Congo. She is pulling and preening her wings like crazy !! Today I came home and there were a bunch of wing feathers on the floor of her cage and she had a spot about 2 inches long and and inch wide with just the small fuzzy feathers left. She is working on the 2nd wing too now. This just started today. Is this molting? Plucking or what? Is she itchy maybe? Why would a bird do this?? Is this normal or is something wrong? I would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions from anyone who has experience in this type of behavior. I am very concerned--thanks. YOu can email me at the address listed so I can get quicker reply. Thanks for any help!! Sher
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mrswork35
Weaned Todd
Joined: February 2005
Posts: 60
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Post by mrswork35 on Feb 9, 2005 20:06:20 GMT -7
ok--I just signed in as mrswork35 ---my email is mrswork35@comcast.net
Does anyone have any ideas on what is going on with my grey who is pulling feathers??? I need some suggestions. thanks Sher
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Post by Jane on Feb 10, 2005 1:03:46 GMT -7
If this has suddenly started it could be plucking because you are seeing a lot of feathers out at once and also the fuzzy patches.
The molt is a gradual process and the new pin feathers can be seen and felt. However, molting does make them quite irritated as the new feathers grow in and the irritation can lead to more preening than usual. If the patches become bald or if a lot more feathers are coming out I would take her to the vet.
Jane
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Shaky
Weaned Todd
ReALiSm
Joined: January 2005
Posts: 45
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Post by Shaky on Feb 10, 2005 11:46:33 GMT -7
I didn't really understand what is the term molting. Can someone explain?
Thank you
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Post by Jane on Feb 10, 2005 12:11:11 GMT -7
It is the process by which the feathers are replaced. There is usually a main molt once a year but captive birds can molt more often. The old feathers are replaced by new ones which grow in encased in a sheath. As the feather matures the sheath comes off. There is also blood in the new feather until it matures.
Jane
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Shaky
Weaned Todd
ReALiSm
Joined: January 2005
Posts: 45
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Post by Shaky on Feb 10, 2005 13:36:12 GMT -7
Thank you Jane  |
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