A good update...

[cassiesdad]

As many of you know, Milton is a plucker...he began the habit a few years ago when he was spooked by the neighbors shooting of fireworks on the July 4th holiday. He continued, on and off even through the middle of this year, getting both sides of his face and about a quarter of the way down his chest plucked.

About two months ago, Milty began another series of feather regrowth...usually he would let them start to unfurl... and pull them out. Anyway, he decided not to do that this time...and the result is some wonderful regrowth on his face and chest!

I know this could change in an instant for no reason, but for now, we are celebrating new feathers.

And as most of you know, Milton is extremely camera adverse...and has been for years...but we're going to try to get some pictures of His Royal Featherbutt so you all can see the new feathers!

 

[Laurul Feather Cat]

Glad to hear about the new feathers. Here's to hopeful permanent behavoral change!

 

[Zara]

I´m so happy for you! Go Milton!
It´s not easy having a bird who plucks, what joy to see him not plucking new feathers

 

[T. gillii]

congrats!!! so excited for possible Milton pics

 

[Wthensler]

Miss Coco doesn’t pluck, but barbers her feathers. On occasion, she has picked a hole under her wing, always in the same spot.

I wish Milton the best, he’s such an iconic part of AA, it breaks many hearts when he does pluck, but as ‘too owners, we understand.

Speaking of spooked, Miss Coco was dreadfully frightened of my wife’s witch hat we got for Halloween.

So much so that we had so hide it in the closet.

 

[Khizz]

Eee I'm so excited to see pictures of Milton! I tell my husband about his antics, we're both big Milty fans

 

[Shezbug]

What wonderful happy news.
Good job Milty

Really looking forward to pics of Milton and I really hope you get to keep your camera in working order

 

[Tiel Feathers]

That’s wonderful news! Keep it up Milton!

 

[Teckechick]

Bob that is so great!!!

Milton keep up the good work you great bird!!!

 

[Yoshi&Raphi]

Good Milton! Let’s hope this habit continues.

 

[camelotshadow]

Maybe you can try to photos before wet time as his mind will be occupied...Maybe even make a fluffy pig outfit to put on your camera so he thinks its a odd pig...If you try maybe you can out smart him or at least have fun trying!!!!....

 

[Nancy B]

Do you compliment him on his pretty pretty feathers or do you think calling attention to it will make him pluck again? Hard to tell how they think....

 

[faislaq]

Prayers that he lets his new feathers be.

 

[Nancy B]

Eee I'm so excited to see pictures of Milton! I tell my husband about his antics, we're both big Milty fans

I tell my whole family about Milton! My son says PERFECT NAME!

 

[Fergus Mom]

Oh mercy - I didn't realize he began plucking because of fireworks! Poor baby. Charlie Dog was terrified of them. I hope Milty will leave those new feathers intact!

 

[cassiesdad]

Do you compliment him on his pretty pretty feathers or do you think calling attention to it will make him pluck again? Hard to tell how they think....

We always compliment Milton on letting his feathers grow. He loves compliments of any kind, as most 'toos do...I don't know how they know you're complimenting them, but they always seem to know!

Cassie B was also the same way...she seemed to glow when you complimented her on her feather growth...

 

[Nancy B]

We always compliment Milton on letting his feathers grow. He loves compliments of any kind, as most 'toos do...I don't know how they know you're complimenting them, but they always seem to know!

Cassie B was also the same way...she seemed to glow when you complimented her on her feather growth...

Oh great! Maybe that will help!

 

[cassiesdad]

With all the birds that we can "handle" I like to make a feather check, along with a cursory look see for any unusual bumps, cuts, bruises, etc. The littles (tiels and Buddy) are a bit squirmy at times, so I have to be quick about the procedure. Since the budgies are "hands-off", I use a magnifying glass to eye ball them from the edge of their cage.

Milton is an exception...he enjoys the the attention...so when I see a patch of pinnies coming in, I really lavish praise on him for the new growth...which pleases him...so he'll let me keep looking on his body...

 

[AutumnRain]

Aww, that's awesome!

 

[Dorcas George]

Yay!