Jake-my Grandpa's African Gray - Paw Talk

zoegirl · #1 06-28-2007, 09:40 PM

Hi, my grandpa has an african gray that looks like a plucked chicken!

But seriously though, he does. When he gets mad, he pulls them out. Just thought I'd let you know about my family's plucked african gray!!!!

Mygala · #2 06-28-2007, 10:28 PM

As someone who owns a number of rehab parrots, including one who plucks, it's hard to hear stories like that. Especially when it's told as if it's a joke.

I know that to some people that may look funny, but plucking is a form of self-mutilation that is a serious problem. There is something that goes wrong in the heads of pluckers. Avian vets, owners and breeders have struggled for years to know causes and solutions. Unfortunately, there appear to be many more causes than solutions.

The very worst cases go on to flesh mutilation. Many birds have had to be put down because of it. It's tragic.

Sometimes there are physical causes that can be treated, but more often it's a problem that can take years to get sorted it, if at all...

bob

Crazy Chin Lady · #3 06-28-2007, 11:58 PM

I, too, have a plucked grey, and it's no joking matter.

I have worried many a time that she would pluck so hard she would break skin and bleed, or even worse, have it become infected. She has been to the vet many a time and they couldn't figure out what was going on. They told me she would have to have a bird e-collar on for the rest of her life, but she ends up chewing the darn thing.

My in-laws make fun of her and it upsets me. I love her no matter what she looks like. She's my baby.

zoegirl · #4 06-29-2007, 01:28 PM

I'm sorry if some people thought i was joking about this. I will admit it looks rather funny, but i agree it is no laughing matter! We try to keep him happy so he will not pluck because usually he plucks when he is upset. Again, i am sorry if anyone took my comment in the wrong way.

Skratikans · #5 07-04-2007, 09:51 AM

can plucking also be caused by a mental condition ...caused by lack of attention and not enough mental stimulation

Mygala · #6 07-04-2007, 04:27 PM

yes, lack of stimulation and boredom are two possible causes.

bob

zoegirl · #7 07-06-2007, 04:56 PM

Wow, didn't know boredom was one, that is interesting, but sad.

Vanilla_Rat · #8 07-07-2007, 11:03 PM

Awwww! I love African greys.I agree with the above posters...it isn't a laughing matter.I don't think they look funny when they are plucked,it actually is quite sad and pitiful.

Eli · #9 07-08-2007, 01:04 AM

Plucking is horrible. My cockatoo started plucking at the vets and I was in tears when I got him back. Because I thought that it would never end. But Thank God he has stopped and his feathers are growing back nicely. IT just goes to show you how quick a animal can become a plucker. He was at the vets for three days. With no toys Just in a in cubator and having all kinds of traumatic things happen. But tha'ts another post.
A plucked bird is not funny at all. IT is a horrible thing for a bird to pluck its not natural at all.

Keppeh · #10 07-12-2007, 03:13 AM

Parrots are extremely intelligent and sensitive animals... If you saw a child that had pulled out all of its hair because it had some sort of emotional/mental issue, you wouldn't think it was funny. Because it isn't funny. The same goes for parrots that pluck. Other birds have also been known to do this, but usually in rare cases, as parrots are definitely at the top of the bird world in the area of intelligence, and they're also very deep creatures.

As stated previously, some plucked birds NEVER stop, and are never cured.