Does this mean my grey is plucking?

Question

my grey today is acting like she is cleaning her self but when ever she stops she drops a bunch of like the fuzz feathers (not actual feathers though)

i rescued her and yes she is a plucker but i don't know if these fuzz's mean anything

additional facts

my bird is well taken care of and has lots of love and toys!!! she is not caged and is played with alot!!!

thanks in advance!

Answer 1

Oh these feathers are called her down feathers. They are fluffy and warm. She is dropping them cuz it is so warm outside!!! She is fine!

Answer 2

If you look closely at the feathers you should be able to tell the difference between a chewed feather and one that's been molted out.  The molted feather will contain a whole shaft that comes to a natural and unbroken point.  The chewed feather won't have this point or any bare shaft.  It will just "end" where the bird has chewed it off.  Much of the feather destructive behaviors are chewing through the feathers, leaving the shaft in the bird, rather than actually pulling the feathers out.  

(Even well cared for birds can be feather pickers.  As long as the bird checks out healthy and is happy, you've just gotta love 'em :-)

Hope this helps,

Colette

http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/Parro...

Answer 3

Dropping down in a molt is fairly common.

Also, over-grooming can ocurr and ist not the same as plucking.  If the feather look raggedy but the ends look fine she coudl be over-grooming.  Typically this means they need a shower more often then they are getting it.

(My millitary macaw *loves* his showers.  It can be scary at first to get in the shower and be naked so close to that beak but hes never ever ever tried to bite me in the shower.  I have a perch that sticks to the wall to rest him on and its great play-time for both of us.)

Answer 4

nahh, my Grey does the same thing. He often has little fluffs in his beak.  They aren't really like real feathers more like downy. I think he is just getting rid of them to make space for new ones :P

Good luck with your grey!