So remember yesterday I took my little grey buddy to visit with her Mom while I did groceries.

Well today she plucked out a pile of the new little downy feathers that had come in under her <for lack of a better description> chin

She hasn't touched the pin feathers yet, and her shoulders and neck still look good and fuzzy. I was sad to see the little bald patch this afternoon though <sigh>.

Tonight she was really talking up a storm, and laughing and everything so I'm really hoping that she leaves the rest of the feathers alone during the night, and tomorrow.

I did manage to ignore the fact that she had pulled out a pile of the downy's, so cross your fingers that the lack of a response will make her think I don't care if she's nude. I actually don't care either. I think she's a beauty fully dressed or topless (which seems to be the look she is going for..little tart)

I was getting ready to update with pics in a few days, but will wait with fingers crossed till she decides what she's going to do.

Just wanted to update everyone

OK I definitely missed something. Are you fostering or babysitting a Grey? Either way I hope that she stops picking, poor little thing.

Oh never mind!! Found it!

lol I've been parrot sitting for just over a week.. she was plucking at home right up until I brought here. Then no plucking at all till this afternoon.

It's really quiet here, and the only thing I can think of is it was too much for her yesterday to go visiting. It was pretty hectic when I dropped her off, and she was clearly agitated on the drive back to my house. She was pacing upside down on the roof of her travel cage, and no amount of talking to her made a difference.

She seemed to calm down once we were back here for a bit so I didn't think too much about it.

Then today.. well I guess her Mom should visit her here instead for a bit.

It's hard on her Mom though because she got her as a baby, and she loves this fid and is missing her terribly.

But.. there's always a but right.. I think I'll suggest visits here for a bit and see if it helps.

That is too bad Deb, I hope she leaves the rest alone.

It probably has a lot to do with the fact that there is a new baby in the household and she isn't happy about it. Sometimes it doesn't seem to take much to send them over the edge. She's (the bird) appearantly more relaxed in a quieter calmer house.
Don't be surprised if you inherit a grey indefinitely.

As far as having mom come and visit...this could be just as upsetting to the bird as it is to take her home. The bird won't forget its mom, but it could become very upset and pluck even more if she's upset because mom leaves. If you can keep her calm so she doesn't pluck and get into the habit at your house your better off.

She definetly sounds like she is more relaxed at your house

Hi Connie,

I actually meant her Mom got her (the bird) as a baby.. there isn't a new baby in the house hehehe.

heheh <evil grin>... wouldn't be heartbroken if I was asked to keep her because I've gotten pretty attached to the little nudie Can't see her Mom parting with her though.. she really does love her quite a lot.

I did suggest after doing some research that she try feeding the uncoloured pellets instead of the zupreem. She wasn't eating it here, so I gave her some tropican pellets. She wolfed them down like they were candy

So tomorrow after work I'm going to pick up a bigger bag.. her Mom says she's been on zupreem for a few years, and I read a number of different articles that referenced African Grey and Eclectus plucking issues that ceased within a few months of switching to a plain pellet. Also threw out the unshelled peanuts.. sheesh.. worry more about the fids than I ever had to worry about my kids

Her Mom came over last week, and she was fine and leaving the feathers alone. I'm hoping it's only because it was so hectic the other day.

We've agreed that Mom will visit her here, where they can sit and relax quietly together. If it goes ok..Great because I can't see telling her Mom that I think visitation should be cut out till she is fully feathered.

Of course if she plucks after her Mom has been to visit.. geez.. I don't even know what I'll say to my friend. She's pretty miserable without the little sweetie.

Thanks though for the idea.. will definitely keep an eye on how they react to each other and how she seems after her Mom leaves.


================================================================================
===================

Hi Mark,

it's much quieter in my place There is just me and the fids here.. Her house has 2 teens, 2 dogs, a cat, and a few fids.. but that's nothing that is a new thing.. the household has grown over the years and the grey was ok with it.

I think it might be partly stress related (picking up from Mom), and hormones.

Time will tell

I'm just happy to have her here for as long as it takes to get her fully dressed, or open a clothing line for her.. either or I'm ok with it <grin>.

OH, OK... heheheh...I really misinterpreted that didn't I? HEHEHEHEH

Several companies Zupreem included make a pellet especially for Greys now so you might have Mom look into that as well. Different combination of protiens etc.

You might suggest that, when she takes the bird home, that they locate her cage in a little different area of the house, where she can still see the goings on but it isn't in a busy traffic pattern.

Hope she feathers back up.

You're doing a great job of foster mommying

Hey Yogi's Mom, Echo has a new picture in the gallery that should make your little stripperella feel much more comfortable...hehehe. He says he likes sweet tarts!

Here's the link:
http://www.quakerparrots.com/forum/uploads...078197/gallery_
Click to view attachment

OMG- I LOVE that picture!! What a great pick-me-up for anyone who lives with a plucker.

I'm glad you liked it. I worried it might be too risque for the forum...Some fids are just unstoppable, huh. hehe

Amy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Ohmygosh.. how are you??? Haven't heard anything from you or Echo in his blog in forever <gasp>.. Thought maybe you ran away with the Maxwell man

Love the picture echo is carrying around <good gracious>... alas my little stripperella has gone back to be with her Mommy.. I have been sick with the flu, so didn't even think to get a pic of her fully dressed darnit.

It was an amazing month (I think I had her that long lol.. still have a bit of flu) and we made friends and were making great strides at becoming best buds.. going to miss her though.

So Amy... seriously I've missed you and Echo's blog. How's the new book??? Done?? how are you and Hubby doing??

sheesh..it's been ages!


Big hugs
Debbie and Yogi and of course little Frankie

Hehehe...me and the Maxwell man!?!

I'm so sorry to hear you have the flu (Big hugs)...and Echo's bawling over not seeing any photos of the topless fid. hehe.

How have you been keeping yourself? That's wonderful that you got the little grey gal to put her feathers back on and play nice with you and her mommy. It must have been hard to let her go, though, huh?

Wow! It really has been ages since I've caught up here on the boards. I just came from the QP videos and saw all the ones your little Yogi starred in - what a sweetie! (Your Yogi-baby has inspired Echo to make movies now too - that could get ugly. hehehe)

My hubby is doing great - (waves as he plays video game)
Yup, I've been working: I finished one book and got right into another (murder mystery)...and it's almost done now! Geesh, you'd think I could write faster, huh! ha.

Big Hugs to ya! Feel better soon & give Yogi and Frankie mini-hugs for me. hehe.