Mates plucking, greencheek

[webchirp]

Giggie who has always plucked a lot during nesting season has started to let her feathers come back in. But i believe she is simply working on Carlton's now. I have a divider i can put into their cage but i really hate to since his life revolves around her. He does not want human interaction. Is this a breeding behavior? Do they need alone time? Would a walk in flight help? He was my most beautifully feathered greenie never having feather issues. We have been to the vet recently and have to go back for a follow-up in two weeks.l

 

[expressmailtome]

Some females pluck some of their feathers, usually the chest feathers, to help line the nest. It is usually the down feathers but some pluck more than that. I know that some females also pluck feathers from the male. Does he seem to be in pain when she plucks him? Considering the time of the year, it is most likely caused be her hormones as opposed to being a health issue.

Matt

 

[webchirp]

No they don't seem to be hurting each other and it looks like they are shredding the feathers as there are little pieces like if you removed pine needles from a branch. Watching them on the video cam during the day they just appear to be calmly preening. I have their cage stacked with toys and put the paper back in the bottom. Poopers always keeping me busy with something.

 

[petiteoiseau]

Are they clipped? It looks like it in the picture but I don't want to assume... Flying is the only way they can dissipate stress and sexual hormones from their bloodstream as well as provide exercise and entertainment - plus, GCC are fabulous fliers, the kind that does it just for the joy of it so, if they are clipped, they might be stressed out and the reason for her plucking.

 

[webchirp]

No they aren't clipped. Giggie loves to fly and does laps in the room. Carlton prefers to stay in his little area but does fly in that area.