Of course,finding 2 1/2 foot feathers on the floor is enough to make someone freak a little, but is something wrong?
2007-03-14 12:16:01 · 7 answers · asked by mandy 3 in Pets ➔ Birds
No, I don't think so. Look at the shaft of the feather. Is it bitten or is it still circular and perfect? We're about to head into a new moult season with spring, so don't be shocked if you start seeing a bunch of feathers everywhere, including the little down feathers. I have six birds in my house right now, my own (Military Macaw, Umbrella Too, DYHAmazon and Tiel) and I'm fostering a Greenwing Macaw and an Orange Winged Amazon and it is starting to look like an explosion-o-feathers.
Everytime the weather changes, especially dramatically like it is right now, expect a moult.
2007-03-15 05:45:46 · answer #1 · answered by sdkramer76 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2 feathers is not enough to out-right panic yet (although I agree that it stinks when its macaw tail feathers). They are designed to fall out and grow back. He could have just gone overboard with some fun! But, if it continues or becomes worse - feather pulling can be a sign that the bird wants attention or is bored. Try buying it some new toys, changing its location (maybe close to a window where it can look out), or just spend some time playing with it more. If that still does not work, then you may want a vet to check him out just to rule out some kind of mite or organizim that may be causing him or her to itch, thus causing him or her to pull the feathers. If its not medical and toys and stimulation won't help - there are collars you can use to keep him from plucking his feathers but I think they should be a last resort because they keep the bird from preening too which is how they clean themselves. Try reading Bird Talk magazine for more tips or join a local bird owners club (look online or ask a pet shop for a referral). Birds, especially Macaws, are demanding pets and having support of others who understand them is very useful.
2007-03-14 19:30:25 · answer #2 · answered by Esmeralda 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i would tend to say that you probably should keep an eye on it. macaws have been compared to 5 year old children in their intelligence, need for attention and tendency towards boredom ... if this becomes a regular thing, i would start putting little surprises where he doesn't expect it, like a slice of apple hidden somewhere you normally don't leave food for him... a new toy ... things like that
2007-03-14 21:17:53 · answer #3 · answered by katkonig 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No need to worry! My boss has a macaw also and he is always pulling his out or breaking them from falling so much, he is so clumsy at times!
2007-03-15 23:28:12 · answer #4 · answered by mscountrygirl74 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wouldnt worry if its only 2 feathers, but if he keeps on doing that then that means he ether needs sumthing or (s)he is bored an d u need 2 play w/ him/her. (dont worrry if its only2 feathers....)
2007-03-14 21:41:40 · answer #5 · answered by iluvasia 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
nothing to worry about ther aging its kinda like sheding theyl grow nicer ones
2007-03-14 20:31:22 · answer #6 · answered by ashley h 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
no!My bird does that 2!
2007-03-14 19:44:03 · answer #7 · answered by tator 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋