My African Grey plucking feathers - ?

Question

We left him with a relative for the two weeks and when we came back he ahd plucked all his feathers around his neck, since being back he has ben fine and they seem to be growing back is this just boredom or change of environment and can we expect this everytime we go away?

Answer 1

Your bird was under extreme stress while you were away.  He was in a new enviroment with different people and he was very upset about it. Since he has done it once already, I would say, yes, he probably will do it again.  It can also lead to self mutilation sometimes.  You are lucky he stopped picking.  Many times the bird continues to pick.  African Greys and the larger Cockatoos are known for feather picking when stressed like your was.  It can be a devestating thing for a bird to be separated from his owner.  Some people think it's cute or funny, and actually get a laugh from it.  It is no laughing matter.  The bird has no idea that you are coming back to him, and he feels total abandonment.  If you go away again, it may be better to leave the bird in your house, where he is comfortable, and have someone come there to feed and take care of him.   This is not saying that Greys need to have you around all the time, to the contrary, they get along very well when their owners are gone for many hours a day.  They just can't be taken out of their own enviroment and placed in a different one without reacting the way yours did.  Please read my profile.

Answer 2

sounds like he was stressed without you, don't worry too much it won't harm him

Answer 3

Yes he was bored keep your eye on him this can become a habit quickly,it is very dangerous if he keeps it up even though you are home give him lots of toys and things to tear apart Grays are one if not the most intelligent birds in the world.(the Congos)

Answer 4

It was due to boredom. Your relative was probably not used to a parrot and so didn't realise you have to constantly talk to them, even as you just walk past the cage.

He didn't like the holiday home you provided for him! He'll be great now.

Answer 5

Hi,

It sounds like he missed you, and yes it will happen everytime you go on holiday. Theres nothing you can do to stop it accept not to go on holiday and thats one of the things with having a bird they need 24 hour attention.

Answer 6

Birds pluck for many reasons. Some are neurotic pluckers. Some do this out of boredom and some out of fear and stress. This sounds like fear and stress and yes he may do this everytime you leave him. with someone. Next time you have to leave I would put familiar things in his area and maybe crazy as it sounds record your voice and things you  say and have relative play back to him on and off throughout the day. Also make sure he has plenty of toys and things to keep him occupied. Once they start plucking they often do it for good hopefully this will not be the case. If it persists a vet check up would not hurt as there are sometimes medical reasons. But I doubt that. If you see him do it dont react to it. Just ignore it and try to redirect his actions. Good luck.