Plucking questios

[GRANNYAT50]

I have read a few places that Parrotlets are prone to plucking/barbering their feathers. I know a few people on here have birds that pluck. About what age did it start (if you know) and can you tell right away. Buddy is 9 months old and after we got him I asked the lady we got him from if he had molted yet and she told us yes. Well right now I am seeing fluffy feathers and one with the hard shaft attached in his cage. I am getting concerned. Sprout seems to be having some fluffy down but thats it. Sprout is not quite 9 months:eek:

[jodeg]

Well, I'm sure every bird is different. It's DEFINITELY different than molting. Kiwi started, all of a sudden, when she was 7 months old (she's 2 now). I took her to the vet immediately and she checked out completely healthy. She almost let them all grow back once and then plucked them out again. At first she just plucked her body and left the down. After several months that way, she barbered her wing and tail feathers and can no longer fly. She pretty much keeps herself that way now.

I have tried everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, and nothing has changed her obsession. I think it's a habit now. Other than that, she's happy, healthy, playful and saucy. I love her to pieces and have come to accept her just the way she is. My other two don't pluck at all.

If you are concerned and suspect a problem, a trip to your avian vet might be in order and would calm your fears. I also am beginning to think that P'lets are frequent pluckers, so the vet can reassure you.

Keep us posted!

[chapala]

Birds molt and replace all their feathers over time. I wouldn't worry at all if you're just seeing down and regular feathers in the cage, unless you are seeing bald or picked areas in the places he can reach. No bald areas means it's probably just some molting feathers and nothing to worry about.

[Jinx n Noodle]

Mine molt off and on, sometimes 2 heavy molts, but I always see little downs and the occassional big feather around.

[GRANNYAT50]

Thanks everybody. I do not see any bald spots. just lots of downy stuff and a few bigger feathers.

[lily]

Do you use an air cleaner?