Why is my African Grey pulling out all his chest feathers.

Question

His name is Charlie he seems to be happy and talks a lot. doesn't like any hands near him. we have had him going on 2 years, but he is about 7 years old. he is a good looking bird but NO chest feathers.

It's like he enjoys plucking them out. Is this normal?

Any suggestions?

Answer 1

I pull out all my grey hairs, too!  It's a vanity thing!!!

Answer 2

Hhmm, your bird Charlie is probably unhappy or bored.  Is he in a room separate from the rest of the household or can he see and hear most of the action?  He might enjoy the company of other animals too.

Answer 3

Yah, I know 3 other African Greys who have done that too. Best to leave 'em alone for a while, and keep their environment as stress-free as possible.

Answer 4

No, it's a sign of anxiety and distress, leave him alone and he might get better

Answer 5

No. .  this is NOT normal and is usually a sign of stress and boredom. .This happens in chickens too if they are house together to packed up they will pecl at each others feather because they are hightly stressed

That is the reason farmers cut of the beaks of baby "battery" hens to stop them pecking at each other in  their confined cages which is a horribil and painful process like someone pulling out your teeth :O

anyway I'd imagine your parrot's problem is a mix of anxiety and boredom . . if he doesn't like hands near him then don't put your hands near him  (maybe he was hit once upon a time before you got him?)

you will only be able to get near him once the anxiety has gone and he has stopped the feather pulling

. . .

if  it is boredom that is an issue hear too . .

do things like

*put his cage near a window so he can lok out . .

* suspend some shiny things from his cage roof (or just above)which will have him bemused at the funny sights

*hang up some veggies from the cage roof so he has to work for food

*put (a non-breakable) mirroor (a small one) in the cage which will give him endless fun

*put a few branches in the cage

* when out leave some music playing for him (or the radio)

btw the cage could also be too smalll . .  african greys are big birds who need plenty of space . .  and being too suashed . .  he will start pulling out feathers =(

and overall just try and spend lots of time .  . with him . . even letting him lose in the house as often as possibile and let him come to you (best bet with a piece of food) and he will assosciate you hand with good things =) and talk alot to him . .



really hope this helps =)

  

Answer 6

maybe he has an itch. or its time he starts to shed?

Answer 7

If they are bored or stressed it can happen

Answer 8

Hi,

I have had the exact same problem with my African Grey, Elmo. he pulled out all his tail feathers and chest feather and by the end he looked as if he was ready to jump into the oven. He had barly any feathers left.

I spoke to my vet, and when Birds pluck there own feathers it is a sign of distress and anxiety. he recommended that i left him alone for a week or so and just keep talking to him. Also he may feel trapped in a small cage, i had to upgrade my cage to a much much larger one, where he can fly from side to side.

So Plan of action:

Leave him alone for 1-2 weeks (no handling etc), however still talk to him.

Make sure he is getting plenty of fresh food and water.

Remove any other animals from the room, such as a dog or cat.

Upgrade the size of the Cage.

If all else fails please take him to the vet, and they will be more than helpful

Hope this helps

x*x

Answer 9

boredom, stress, etc. give him a ton of toys, and some fly time (make sure no other pets are in the room, and all fans are off, and doors and windows closed). spend time with him, talking to him and playing. i hope he gets better soon.

Answer 10

No, it's a sign of anxiety and distress give him more toys and give him more comfort

Answer 11

You need to know the cause of this before you can fix it.

It could be any reason he's started. You can find out a little more info here

on possible causes

http://www.eclectusparrots.net/featherde...

& it is not normal to pluck.

Answer 12

sounds like stress. birds pull out feathers when they are stressed