Do parrots moult?

bampoisongirl · #1 (**permalink**) 12-05-2008, 05:53 PM

Hi i have a senegal parrot and i have never kept bird before, jut wondering if they moult, because he seems to be ding an awful lot of pruning and grooming and his cae is covered with feathers and they are stiin up a bit on him too. He is 3 year old and i have had him for about a month now n he doesnt really like us...not tame either. just worried that he is stressed. thanks

Tan · #2 (**permalink**) 12-05-2008, 07:23 PM

Hi, he probably is stressed if he isn't tame and is 3yrs old. Most of the larger parrot breeds do not like leaving their homes and owners and can and do suffer from depression which can manifest itself into aggression too. They do moult every year but also will preen too. I would say from the sound of it he is thinning due to unhappiness. I have seen it sooooooo many times and have been dealing with parrots for 10years now. Just to ask, is he stripping his feather too?

teshu · #3 (**permalink**) 12-05-2008, 09:06 PM

yes parrots do moult but they can also pluck. plucking is a result of stress and/or depression. occasionally preening becomes a bit too much of a habit & they can overpreen and cause thinning of feathers.

it could be the time of year as well, it's breeding time for parrots so he could be frustrated.

to be honest there's lots of reason why this is happening. we need a bit more info.

bampoisongirl · #4 (**permalink**) 12-05-2008, 09:17 PM

ok well like i said ive neveket birds before so im not really sure wat im looking for, erm its the fluffy white feathers that are all over the bottom of the cage. i dont know if he was handled with his past owner, but i eriously doubt it as he is impossible to handle and does bite and hiss. wen we fund this out we generally leave him to himself, giving him teh cahnce to come ut of his cage on hi own (which he wont), give him fruit and veg sometimes in the week as a treat, and he eats and drinks well. Never seen him bathe. cover him up at about 10 at night and uncover him in the morning when im up. any ideas?

Tan · #5 (**permalink**) 12-05-2008, 10:32 PM

Fruit & veg should be a staple part of the diet and offered on a regular basis. Diet can also affect moods. The white feathers are down feathers. He is preening himself but if it is like you have described then it is too much, as I said before depression can and does lead to aggression and self mutalation is common. He is still a young bird and to be honest many things must be considered. He isn't tame and he CAN be tamed but my god this will take time and I have had dealings of up to a year with some birds, yes it is long but it is worth it, if you do not tame him he will eaither live his life very unhappy or you will move him on becuase a nasty bird is no joy for the household, and this will only add to his troubles in the long run. A tip would be to find his fave food and offer it slowly to him daily by hand, when he growls do not pull away just stand ground and move your hand back slowly but stand there because by leaving him be you are doing exactly what he wants. Talk to him constantly is soothing tones, it may sound stupid but they do react to tones, and calm speaking even when he screams will be noticed even if it doesn't look like it is. You must remember he is doing this because he is scared too, so show him you are no threat be letting him see you putting his food in his bowl, his treats oh and also his toys will need to change position in the cage or he will soon loose interest in them and become bored, I know it is risking a bite but a good reinforced glove can help save your arm but not the big flappy ones, this can freak them out alot. Change toy colours too, stimulate his mind as well as his pallet with new foods. Also the room he is kept in will also come into play, he shoud reside in the room you ocupy the most, for example, the living room. Let him see you interact with the family or watch T.V but talk to him. I can tell you it will not be easy and you have a task on your hands, but it is possible. Plus you have all the guys in here to help you.

finsandpaws · #6 (**permalink**) 14-05-2008, 11:31 PM

Another thing to consider, if you or anyone smokes near your bird this can also cause them to over preen and feather pluck as the nicoteen can coat their feathers so when thay are carry out normal preening activities they get the taste that they don't like, so out comes a feather! Hope you have some joy

Javeo · #7 (**permalink**) 15-05-2008, 02:16 AM

Great advice by Tan, I had 4 senegals once in a flock of over 15 birds and the senegals were the most stubborn little things, even the African greys didnt mess with them

. To add to Tans advice, use a mister to spray him with warm water a few times a week as dusty feathers can irritate them as well. For a staple diet I always used sprouted sunflower seeds as treats and sprouted mixed beans and pulses as a staple with fruit offered once a day.

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode