> Are you sure that she's actually doing all of the plucking herself?
> Her mate may have a malicious streak and be hurting her. I used to
> have a budgerigar who hurt his companions like that.
>
> When I separated him, he started doing it to himself. The vet
> prescribed him a benzodiazepine tranquilizer after everything else
> failed (I had my doubts at the time) which pretty much stopped him
> from doing it overnight. He became the sweetest, calmest bird you
> could imagine afterwards...
>
> Sometimes the drugs work.

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.

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?

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


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