my militarys plucking

Question
I have a military macaw who is about 9 yrs old. My mom gave him to me a year and a half ago because he hated her and always clung to me. Anyway after the 4th of july he started plucking his feathers and now it seems to be a habit and I dont know what to do to stop him. I sray him to make the new feathers coming in more comfy and I help prune him. Some times he regergitates on himself where he has been plucking. It is under his wing. Please help me fix him
thanks
brandi smith
lillulu615@netzero.net

Answer
I'm glad you got him! Military's are very much like Severe's in that they bond closely to one, maybe two people and are very difficult to change. This doesn't mean they can't be socialized, but it takes a few bites and some very patient people.

It would be prudent to have him evaluated by an avian vet just to be sure there aren't any physical problems or parasites.

Then we can start addressing the behavior issue. The stress of a move may be catching up to him. It's not at all uncommon for birds to pluck in dealing with stress (or illness) and when the stress/illness subsides, the plucking remains.

Some birders suggest an aloe vera gel spray. 100% natural aloe mixed with bottled water in a mister, but to be honest, few find it does anything more than make (the human) feel better.

When you mention the bird regurges to his plucked parts, it's leading me to believe this might be a female (are you positive it's a male?) and this is nesting behavior. Sometimes they pull some feathers so they can better warm the egg they're preparing for.  Are you contributing to any mating behaviors?  Petting and grooming under the wings or at the tailfeathers may play a part. If you offer any treats from your mouth (also very, very unhealthy for the bird) it will send the wrong message.

Check my site and look under birds for more. You can reach me any time here or there.

www.4AnimalCare.org