Molting or Plucking

[NoelleMartin]

I adopted my parents African Grey in February. He was plucking (just around his chest) before I got him. He still plucks because new feathers aren't growing on his chest (I'm assuming). I think he has adjusted well. He eats well, comes out of his cage, talks constantly and seems generally happy. However, over the last few days I have seen large feathers on the bottom of his cage. This morning there were 3. I'm worried now he is plucking his large feathers. How can I tell if he is molting or actually plucking them?

 

[Zara]

It´s always worrying when a bird that plucks moults.

Things you can look for are chewed quills and blood. A moulted feather rarely has blood on it.
(remember some birds play with feathers and will chew the quills of moulted feathers)