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I will be leaving this forum as of today! Why is it that everyone assumes when a bird plucks it's ABUSED! Be kind! Just because the few of you have PERFECT birds does not at all mean that EVERYONE else has to abuse theirs if it plucks. I'm ashamed of all of you. I happen to have one and it does pluck and he's been to an Avian vet more times than any of yours probably ever were in his short life. I came here for some possible answers as to why, and I get to read this mean spirited garbage. You don't realize that feelings can be hurt. I've tried many different things to get my poor boy to stop short of medication, which I feel is cruel. I bet I can find certain things about all of you great birds that have problems of their own. Take Care..................Jane, SIGNING OFF

My Son moved back in from college, maybe that's it. He doesn't really like my boy. No children except grand kids have come over a bit more lately. They are not allowed to go near the bird. The medication, which I forgot the name, but alleviates stress. I've had him 10 months now. He is a very timid bird. Is very sensitive to noise. If there is anything new on the floor in the house and I'm walking by it with him, he tries to fly away, so I can see where the picking comes from. He started getting better and stopped picking, grew back most of his feathers, and then BAM, just started and then found out he had nails I guess! I do appreciate all the help! Everything is a process......Otherwise he is a real good boy, starting to talk, snores like the dog or daddy <ha>...mimics all kinds of sounds, eats well etc... Thanks again for all of your help, you've been great.

Thanks Lidia for advice. I've had him quite awhile now and have gotten advice on how to bathe him through many sources, Avian Vet, a qualified all bird place...tried everything to bathe him. Shallow bowls with toys in them, greens in them, two different type misters, keeping him near me at sink to have him get to know the water, he doesn't mind unless he gets a drop on him. Tried letting him sit on shower door, that was a complete disaster. I've resorted to wetting my hands and trying gently wiping it on him and couldn't use my finger for a week!! Finally, I just take him in the bathroom put him on the floor and mist (very light mister) away. He really doesn't scream anymore or go crazy, just walks rapidly away. POOR THING! You know, I've determined that having a Grey is not for the faint at heart.....Starting with children all over again.

Thanks Tari, I will try your veggie method. Brittle isn't what I'd call them. He's actually breaking them on the sides and making them into shards, like needles on the end. I just don't think I'm qualified to make them better at this point. Now the poor guy has to put up with another thing in his life which is a glove! He want my bare hand to hold him. He is a very, very timid bird and we do introduce him slowly into unknown situations and sometimes he takes to it other times not. He was hand fed, not by me, but I've know him since early on. Took him home @ around 6 months. He is a great bird, starting to talk, loves my husband and myself. Thinks he is MY owner, not the other way around. I may rethink the meds at this point on a short term basis, after of course finding out if everythings O.k. I really appreciate all the help!

- made an appointment first thing as soon as Vet opened - Just had all well check up two months ago $500.00!! - Was seen four different follow up visits - Vet wanted to put him on meds???? not done.... - Squeaks only wants toys when he wants them! - nothing new introduced to his cage - Went to an all bird store, purchased 4 different types perches, which we were helped with by staff. - I hold him a ton, wonder if I had something on my skin that he picked up from me? Have a stand with rope, toys, etc as well... - Speaking of water, does PETRIFIED come to mind! I purchased a very light misting spray and he runs around in the bathroom while I spray scared to death! It kills me, but I know how important it is. - Regarding filing nails, I'll leave that to the vet, I'm afraid they may be to brittle now and I will only do more damage. - finally, CRY CRY CRY!!! I feel like a horrible Mommy!

Good morning! My CAG is 1yr and just started chewing his claws into shards a week ago. I cannot even hold him today. He has had an on and off problem with feather picking, started that again too? He's had EVERY test available for diseases and the like, and the final result was to put him on Meds and I'm reluctant to do so. There is one thing that we know about which is VERY sensitive hearing. Anything too loud and He scratches head, starts picking right away! So all things except Vacuum is kept to a low volume. His nutrition level hasn't changed. Well, maybe eating less pellets than I'd like to see. No seed at all, never introduced to it. HELP!!!