On Wed, 16 Mar 2005 22:57:00 +1300, Lee  wrote:

>Yes, definitely doing it to herself. I've seen her doing it, and it's all
>in the places she can reach (belly, legs, under the wings, and a little
>spot at the elbow on top of the wing etc). I wouldn't rule it out if she
>was balding in other places though... for example the top of the head. But
>thanks for the thought... it wasn't something I'd considered either.
>
>I'm beginning to think that perhaps she just didn't like getting a
>partner. Actually the first one she had was a baby. She used to beat him
>up, and the tables turned when he got bigger. I can't be sure but it may
>be related to that.

Maybe he's rejected her because of this and she feels depressed?

>She's definitely a very intelligent for such a wee bird. Get this, I
>trained her to lay on her back in my hand... I'll put my finger out within
>reach for her to grab and right herself. I think most birds are
>uncomfortable on their backs and will either turn over immediately or
>will reach right out and climb back up as they're uncomfortable on their
>backs. I taught her to wait for the verbal command "Up". She won't move
>until I say the word. Cute eh?

Heh - one of my budgies likes to lie on his back and have his tummy
tickled... ;)

If you immobilize the wings of a bird and turn it onto it's back, they
immediately become docile and stop struggling with you. It's a really
good tip for large parrots when you need to handle them. I've handled
the largest of gulls, chickens and geese in the past and the exact
same thing works with them.

>By the way, where were the other birds being plucked by that wee guy? On
>the head and tail etc?

He liked to pull wing and tail feathers, as well as pulling at the
ones on the face too. It wasn't just rival cocks either - even his
mates got the same treatment. At the time, I felt really bad at the
thought of having him medicated, but it really made a difference to
him...


--- UseNet To RIME Gateway {at} 3/16/05 8:57:35 AM ---