Young Senegal - is this feather plucking or something else?

[cledford3]

Sunday I put down a deposit on a young Senegal Parrot. I won't be able to pick him up earlier than Friday. I have been stopping by every evening to spend time and get familiar with each other. Below are pics from this evening (Wednesday) with one pic (the very bottom) from Sunday evening. I am concerned that he may be plucking and wanted feedback on the photos. It is my understanding the Senegals aren't especially known for the act - but I assume any parrot can be affected with it.

The back story here is that this is my first parrot. I've purchased him from a local pet shop, a privately owned store that deals in high end products, birds and exotic fish - including salt water. I'm not typically one to purchase from a pet store (I've been into dogs for a while and would prefer to deal directly with breeder), but this place seems nice, clean and has a knowledgeable avian dept manager. They allow you to put a deposit on a purchase up to 2 weeks prior to picking up. This seemed like a great idea as the parrot gets *lots* of attention from staff and patrons, in my mind "free" socialization - while also allowing us time to research cage options, get the house set up, etc. I had been informed by staff when I asked about the bird that he was "3 and half months old and has been with us 3 days now." I was attracted to the bird as he seems *very* social and has had no issues with stepping up, eating from my hand, taking pets & scratches, etc.

Now I'm concerned as I noticed some areas this evening that I'm worried might indicate feather plucking. I did not notice these areas before - but also have to admit I also hadn't observed him from the particular angle I did this evening either. This stems from an article of Micheal's I was reading - where as a reward for stepping up he raised a parrot to eye level. I did this this evening and got a different view of the birds chest and noticed some areas that did not seem to be covered with colored feathers - rather white downy ones.

Please let me know your thoughts on the pics below. I did my best to photograph the area in question. The very bottom pic was taken Sunday - and while from a different angle - seems to show much more complete plumage.

Thanks for any help,

-Calvin


This is the worst view:





These pics alternate flash on and flash off of the same view:











All other pics taken Wednesday Evening - this one was taken the day of deposit, Sunday (3 days prior):

[Michael]

First off I'm no vet, so I cannot rule feather plucking out 100%. However, I don't think this is feather plucking. I don't think young parrots do it. More likely this is some combination of the following:

A) Temporary scragliness from lack of preening
B) Plucking/fighting with other cagemates
C) Baby feathers that have not come in properly or broke
D) Think of it as a bad hair day from falling down or something like that

Most parrots do not come with their best of plumage when they are a baby. Usually they will develop a much better set after their first molt as they are living in a less stressful environment and better fed.

That being said, make sure the bird has a health guarantee/return period. Bring it to a vet as soon as you can and have it checked out. You should do that regardless of the feathers issue.

You know what's a great test to see if it's a temporary or long term feather mess up? Shower the parrot or give it a bath. Then watch it dry and preen itself. Showering encourages the bird to preen and relocate feathers and then looks good as new again after a few hours.

[cledford3]

Hi Michael,

I will defer to a vet - but thanks for the input, it put my mind at ease a bit. Also, thanks for the replies to my other questions! My mind starts going a mile a minute when I get into something new and when I find a forum like this, I tend to "fire away." I ended up finding your website (after posting most of my questions) and have been spending hours digging through it since. You and Kathleen have put together an AMAZING resource. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for being kind enough to offer it for free! Should you ever want donations for supporting the site and/or want to accept donations on behalf of a charity or rescue - count me in! I really, really appreciate people who are willing to do good things for others and frankly giving of ones time is the most precious gift of all - its the one thing we can never replace!

Thanks again!

-Calvin

[Michael]

I'm not asking for any donations at this time. However, if you would like to help support my websites and the training efforts that I do, please buy some Training Perches and/or toys from my ParrotWizard website. Earnings from the sales help me pay for the assortment of parrot websites I am running and toward parrot supplies for Kili and Truman. Also you can help by spreading the word about The Parrot Forum, Trained Parrot Blog, and Parrot Wizard training supplies and toy store.

Check back often because I have new tricks, training supplies, and ideas coming soon.

[Mona]

Hi Calvin:

No, that isn't feather plucking. Michael is right....the baby is probably ready for a molt.

Feather plucking leaves bare patches on the skin. The bird would have patches without any feathers.

It's easy for a new owner to become overly concerned but that baby looks pretty good....

Thx

Mona

[pchela]

I agree. Looks like a baby parrot in his first molt or whose feathers aren't in all the way... or maybe a rough player.