Post: Plucking or ???

Posted by JKCASWELL on 1/11/08

I need some thoughts about my Scarlet. Within the past
week, Lucy has started losing her feathers on her legs
only. I have not once seen her plucking, though I am at
work during the day. One thing that I have noticed though,
is she stands on the bottom of her cage and tries to reach
the bedding below. The bottom grate, is 8 inches above the
tray, and she stretches further with her leg, and rubs it
back and forth trying desperately to grab the bedding.
Could this possibly be the cause of her missing leg
feathers? I should add that she goes from one leg to the
other, and feathers are missing from both. She otherwise
appears to be happy and content and quite normal for her.
I have an appointment set up with the vet, I was just
hoping that you could give me some input on this before my
vet appointment, which is on Monday. I am very concerned,
as this is something that is very unusual for her. She has
always had spectacular feathering, and is a very careful
groomer. I also have gotten another Macaw about a month
ago, and while they are separated from each other, they are
very aware that the other exists, and they talk to each
other all day long. I have been very careful about
sanitizing between the two, even though Blu's health check
was good. Lucy's personality hasn't changed at all since
Blu moved in. She is always the same ornery girl, who gets
all of my attention, as usual. Blu has become my teenage
daughter's best friend, so she spends all the time with
Blu. Please Please, any response would be so appreciated!

Jenn

Posts on this thread, including this one

Plucking or ???, 1/11/08, by JKCASWELL.

Re: Plucking or ???, 1/11/08, by JKCASWELL.

Re: Plucking or ???, 1/12/08, by Meeko's Mom.

Re: Plucking or ???, 1/12/08, by karen.

Re: Plucking or ???, 1/12/08, by JKCASWELL.

Re: Plucking or ???, 1/12/08, by Meeko's Mom.

Re: Plucking or ???, 1/12/08, by JKCASWELL.

Re: Plucking or ???, 1/14/08, by Verdell.

Re: Plucking or ???, 2/03/08, by greenwing.