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by Grammy Robin on March 25th, 2007

Grammy Robin

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Why is my Moluccan Cockatoo suddenly pulling out her feathers? I've had her for 12 years. She is still very colorful and eating well. I see nothing on her skin.

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Answers. 2 helpful answers below.

  • by - retroglide - on March 25th, 2007

    - retroglide -

    Oh my, the Moluccan Cockatoo is my favorite. I had one named Boomer. He was the sweetest animal I have ever owned. I wish I still had him. I bought him from a man who was a day trip truck driver, but then went over the road. He couldn't pay enough attention to Boomer. Unfortunately, about 8 months later, he came in off the road. He contacted me and begged me sell Boomer back to him. And I did.

    Anyway, it could me mites. It could be a lack of iron or iodine. Actually there's a whole list of conditions that could contribute to it. Medical reasons for feather plucking should be examined.

    However, based on my experience, it is usually something disruptive that has happened inside the home. This could be nearly anything. I am assuming the bird is in single housing. Have you brought a new pet into the home? Has a pet been removed from the home? Has someone in the house started a new job or changed their work shift? Even changing your appearance could contribute to this, such as coloring your hair, or your spouse growing a beard. If there is nearby construction, the noise may be a factor. Have you been lax in your attention?

    Also the natural behaviour of the larger parrot species is a major underlining factor in determining if a bird is going to pluck its feathers in captivity or not. ie Did it's parents start plucking?

    Intelligent adult parrots who are content and usually very tame are the ones that will pluck their feathers if they are not stimulated and challenged on a minute to minute basis.

    The huge aviary concept should be used to stimulate some of these birds by allowing them to interact with other birds as this seems to be the only way to cure a large number of these birds from plucking their feathers. Unfortunately, this is not an option for the individual bird owner.

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  • by Juan_G on December 19th, 2010

    Juan_G

    The plucking is due to the bird being bored, the owner not spending enough time with it or its surroundings dramaticaly changed. This type of bird should have a large cage with lots of toys and it should be let out of its cage for a few hours everyday. If you can not spend enough time with it on a day to day basis then buy another Moluccan so they can keep each other company. I have a Moluccan that I bought from a local pet shop 6 yrs ago and I rescued another Moluccan that was in very bad shape, not only was he plucking his feathers but he was biting chunks of flesh off his chest. I put him in a seperate cage next to my original bird and would let them out for play time at the same time, after a couple of months I put them in the same cage and the bird I rescued stopped plucking his feathers and he is very happy, healthy and beautiful to this day. I also have an African Grey which I also rescued and she is very happy now but she continues to pluck because it has become a "learned behavior" so sometimes no matter what u do they will continue to pluck...I hope this helps...good luck

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