JillyBeanz Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 I've noticed Harvey is preening more and more lately, and on Saturday one after the other he pulled three, small grey feathers - which he sat and chewed and chewed until I was worried he would swallow it so I took it off him - he just pulled another. He did stop this after three feathers, but tonight is really rough again in his preening - but up until now hasn't pulled any tonight. He hasn't done this before, only the lovely floaty baby feathers. He is fast approaching nine months old - is this too early for a moult and how many do I "let him off with" before it's an issue. In my heart of hearts I know he isn't plucking - Just a bit over zealous in his technique (I'm hoping you are going to reassure me?) Your advice (as always) would be greatly appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave007 Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 No, it's not to young to have a first molt and you shouldn't stop him from holding the feathers and chewing them. They're using them as toys and also preening them and won't swallow the feathers. They usually tire of them and drop them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JillyBeanz Posted September 15, 2009 Author Share Posted September 15, 2009 Thanks Dave - as you know, I just need that "little bit of reassurance from a pro!!" Sorry for being a pest - but how many "grey" feathers can I expect to find and over what sort of period? 17 years with a cockatiel was easier than the last five months with Harvey!!! My nerves are shattered! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greywings Posted September 15, 2009 Share Posted September 15, 2009 Generally speaking they do play with feathers but it is not a normal behavior to be pulling them out. I would increase bathing, add a bit more fatty acid &dark leafy greens for calcium to the diet. Feather pulling can be a sing of yeast on the skin or in the crop, allergies to a food like Peanuts or boredom ect. You may want to add some more shreddy type toys and give your vet a call if this behavior continues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
she Posted September 16, 2009 Share Posted September 16, 2009 No he is not too young to moult,increasing the bathing wont hurt and will help stop any itching.I often find quite a few little downey feathers round Charlie when he preens.Dont let Harvey see you paying attention to this behaviour,just keep an eye on things for now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JillyBeanz Posted September 16, 2009 Author Share Posted September 16, 2009 Thanks Sheila - I've found another three small grey feathers today. He goes in the shower at least twice a week - but I've put him in tonight as a "bonus" - although he doesn't quite agree!! He's fine in himself - still full of trouble - but I think he is a bit "spiky" in places. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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