Plucked Moluccan Cockatoo - Click to Enlarge
Many hand-fed babies, particularly greys, cokatoos and macaws, begin feather plucking during their second six months. Scenario goes something like this: As babies , these exceptionally intelligent birds are given huge amounts of attention and affection by their hand-feeders because they are absolutely adorable and are being raised to be perfect pets. They are then placed into their new homes, the adoration continues, but they are cuddled and spoiled by only a few people. About the time these birds who have known nothing but adoration and affection start to lose their cute baby ways, and their newness wears off. People in the household return to their normal routines. They play with the bird sometimes, but not as often nor as long as in the beginning. The bird asks itself; What went wrong? Don’t they like me anymore? The bird starts to fell rejected, confused and frustrated. A bored bird may turn to self-mutilation. Feather plucking starts. There is no particular way to prevent it, but providing an interesting life is a good way to start.
Plucked chest of a Moluccan Cockatoo - Click to Enlarge
Interesting food, interesting toys, interesting activities and an interesting environment are essential to the healthy development of a bird’s mind and body. Keep the bird’s brain and beak involved in wholesome play and problem solving. This does not mean that you have to quit you job to stay home and play with the bird all the time. Actually, it’s better for the bird to have time alone to learn to play happily in its cage. Just make sure that the cage and food dish don’t contain the same old boring stuff day after day. you don’t have to hold the bird every minute that you are home, but talk to it, whistle , sing and include it in conversations and family activities. I other words, support the bird’s physical and emotional security while challenging and amusing its intellect. An avian mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Moluccan Cockatoo with a plucked back - Click to Enlarge
