#African Grey Feather Plucking

[confetti-critter]

There's some times when I want to make Posts but have literally nothing to say I just have an urge to go "hnnnnrghhhhh bogos binted. Bingus b. Th" then hit post

So anyway

hnnnnrghhhhh bogos binted. Bingus b. Th

[cheeriecherrymain]

Headcannons you say? 👀 why not how Viktor would react to reader's lotal pet bird! Especially if it cawed out his name everytime he passed?? Only if you're comfortable with this, much love <3

My cousin has an african grey parrot, whose name I have lovingly reused for this.

Viktor x fem!Reader

-He doesn’t know you have a bird until you’re comfortable enough to visit each other’s homes.

-You’ve probably brought him (and Jayce) lunch at the lab a couple times, and he seemed to enjoy the meal, so you figured it might be nice to invite him over for dinner sometime. The two of you are always running out of time during your conversations, interrupted by school or work, so an evening together sounds nice.

-The first time he walks into your home, he’s generally polite. You’re a student, so like him, you don’t have much money to spend on decor items - but he doesn’t judge. He can smell whatever you’ve been cooking, so it’s kind of the only thing on his mind.

-Until something screeches from the other room.

-He’s visibly alarmed by the noise, whereas you’re perfectly calm. You’d heard that too, right? He wonders, hoping he’s not losing his mind.

-You disappear from the room, and he can vaguely hear you speaking softly, but he’s not able to decipher what you’re saying…

-But you return moments later, with what looks like a plucked chicken standing on your shoulder.

-And he must be making some kind of expression, because you reach forward suddenly and pinch his cheek. 

- “Don’t stare at her,” you scold, without a single hint of malice in your tone. “She’s shy.”

-As if on cue, the bird twitters softly and climbs behind your neck, poking her head out slightly so she can stare at him. Viktor feels incredibly judged, despite the fact that it’s a bird and an incredibly weird one at that.

- “Her name is Peach,” you explain, settling the table while the little creature balances happily on your shoulder. “Some rich bastard kept her in a tiny cage for years - she was so stressed that she pulled all her feathers out. As soon as she wasn’t colourful, she was abandoned…”

-Viktor watches as the little bird presses her beak against your cheek and makes a dramatic kissing noise, and his heart warms. Of course you’d be the one to see some sad creature and decide to help it; you saw the value in every life you stumbled upon. Much like you had with him.

-He was no plucked parrot, mind you, but he wasn’t unaware of the fact that most of the students at the academy -if not most of the people in Piltover- looked down on him. Because of his roots, because of his disabilities.

-But not you.

-You’d stumbled into the lab one afternoon, looking for Jayce (you’d somehow ended up with some of his mail. ‘Again’, according to you) and had started up a conversation with him instead.

-You’d shown a genuine interest in what he was working on, asking how things worked, and even offering a little bit of advice on why some components may not have been functioning. He’d been a little peeved at first, because who the hell were you to walk in there and criticize his designs?

-But then your ideas had worked and he’d been a little less annoyed. And then you’d come back a week later, once again looking for Jayce, once again striking up a chat with him. You’d eventually stopped bringing mail with you, and just started showing up to loiter and talk to him.

-Soon enough, he considered you a friend.

-Soon enough, he noticed the way his heart sped up whenever you were around.

-Soon enough, you apparently trusted him enough to introduce him to your strange little bird.

-He doesn’t get along with Peach at first. He’s rightfully wary of how protective she is of you, despite her being a parrot. She’s grabbed and chewed on his fingers on multiple occasions - whenever he got too touchy with you, really.

-If it wasn’t for Peach, he would have told you how he felt by now; he would have held your hand, or kissed your cheek, or something.

-It all comes to a head when he’s over at your house again, and you suddenly have to run to the kitchen to keep the stew from boiling over.

-Leaving him alone with Peach.

-Who glares at him with her beady little eyes.

-And he sighs.

-He reaches forward slowly, and offers his hand to the little bird, who surprisingly takes the invitation and steps into his palm.

- “Look,” he says quietly, bringing her up to eye level, “I know you do not like me very much. You bite me, and you hiss at me, and you steal my food. But I know you’re just protective of your mother.”

-With his other hand, he slowly strokes over the few feathers still on her head. “I know you love her dearly; I love her dearly, too. She’s kind, and caring, and smart. Perhaps, if you are amicable, we might be able to share her affection?”

-He hears a giggle from the doorway, and all at once he realizes how absurd he must look - talking to a bald parrot, professing his love, of all things.

-But instead of poking fun at him, you instead find a seat beside him on the couch, and lean over to press your lips onto his cheek a couple times. -It still takes a while after that for Peach to truly warm up to him, but eventually, whenever she hears the tap of his cane on the hardwood floors, she squawks his name and puts up a fuss until he comes over to offer her his shoulder to perch on.

[flock-talk]

For sure! @aradow

Garuda aviary mentions the concept here (where I was first introduced to the concept, they are mostly theorizing based on what we know of chick development and observed feather destruction between wild and captive birds.)

this article covers how the parent bird plays a crucial role in how the chicks are able to respond to stressors (study on chickens not parrots)

The Manual of parrot behaviour has a chapter on the influences of hand rearing on feather picking behaviours, the whole book is a pretty informative read

comparison of wild caught, parent reared, and hand reared African grey behaviour

comparing feather picking with corticosterone excretion (and mentions how endorphins help to cope with increased corticosterone)

General overview of plucking influences and social, developmental factors

Concludes that feather plucking behaviours are commonly sourced back to the imprinting periods prior to fledging among other influential factors

and if anyone wants to do further digging the "sciency" term for feather plucking is "pterotillomania" which helps a lot in finding good sources

[darltofa]

African Grey Parrots

African Grey Parrots are among the most famous and well-regarded species of parrots known for their high intelligence and ability to mimic human speech. There are two main types of African Grey Parrots: the Congo African Grey and the Timneh African Grey.

Congo African Grey

The Congo African Grey is the larger of the two species, with light grey feathers, a bright red tail, and an all-black beak. These parrots are native to the rainforests of Central Africa. They are highly sociable and intelligent birds, known for their problem-solving skills and complex vocal abilities. Congo African Greys can learn an extensive vocabulary and are capable of using words contextually, which makes them fascinating but also demanding companions.

Timneh African Grey

The Timneh African Grey is slightly smaller and has darker grey feathers with a maroon tail. They are native to a smaller region of West Africa. Timnehs mature faster than their Congo counterparts, which can make them easier to train and socialize at a younger age. Their speaking abilities are similar to the Congo Grey, but they are often thought to be somewhat calmer and more adaptable to new environments and situations.

Care and Social Needs

African Grey Parrots require a lot of mental stimulation and social interaction to thrive. They are not just pets but lifelong companions, often living up to 50 years or more in captivity. Owners must be committed to engaging with them daily through conversation, play, and training to keep them mentally active and prevent boredom.

A well-balanced diet for these parrots includes high-quality pellets, fresh fruits, and vegetables, supplemented occasionally with nuts and seeds. It's also crucial to ensure that their living environment is safe from toxins and hazards, such as Teflon pans, which can release harmful fumes.

Emotional and Health Considerations

African Greys are known to be particularly sensitive to their environments and can develop emotional distress or behavioral issues if not properly cared for. They need consistent schedules and a stable environment. Health-wise, they require regular check-ups with a vet who specializes in avian care to manage any potential health issues including feather plucking, which can be a sign of stress or illness.

Conservation Status

Wild populations of African Grey Parrots have been declining due to habitat destruction and the pet trade. Both species are listed on CITES Appendix I, which restricts international trade of wild-caught individuals to protect these birds from over-exploitation.

In summary, African Grey Parrots are highly intelligent and engaging birds that make incredible pets for those who can provide the intensive care, social interaction, and long-term commitment they require. Their ability to communicate and form bonds with humans is unmatched, making them uniquely rewarding companions.

[rasumusalli]

Understanding Parrots: Behavior, Habits, and Care

Parrots are among the most captivating and intelligent birds in the animal kingdom. Their vibrant plumage, remarkable vocal abilities, and playful personalities make them a favorite among pet enthusiasts and bird watchers alike. This article delves into the world of parrots, exploring their behavior, natural habitats, and the care they require both in the wild and as pets.

The Fascinating World of Parrots

Parrots belong to the family Psittacidae, which encompasses around 400 species of colorful, tropical birds. These species are spread across various continents, including South America, Africa, Australia, and parts of Asia. The diversity within this family is astonishing, with variations in size, color, and vocal capabilities.

Physical Characteristics

One of the most striking features of parrots is their vibrant plumage. Colors range from brilliant greens and blues to vibrant reds and yellows. This diversity in color helps parrots blend into their natural habitats or stand out, depending on their needs. Their zygodactyl feet, which have two toes pointing forward and two backward, are adapted for gripping branches and handling food. Additionally, parrots possess a strong, curved beak ideal for cracking nuts and seeds, as well as manipulating objects.

Behavior and Social Structure

Parrots are known for their intelligence and complex social behaviors. In the wild, they live in flocks that can range from small family units to large groups of hundreds. These flocks provide social interaction, protection from predators, and assistance in finding food.

Social bonds are crucial for parrots, and their communication skills are particularly impressive. Many species are capable of mimicking human speech and other sounds they frequently hear. This mimicry is a byproduct of their highly developed vocal apparatus and cognitive abilities. In the wild, parrots use vocalizations to communicate with flock members, warn of predators, and attract mates.

Habitat and Diet

Parrots inhabit diverse environments, including tropical rainforests, savannas, and even arid regions. Their diet primarily consists of seeds, nuts, fruits, and flowers, though some species also consume insects and small animals. Their feeding habits contribute to the health of their ecosystems, as they aid in seed dispersal and plant pollination.

Parrots as Pets

Keeping a parrot as a pet can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with significant responsibilities. Parrots are long-lived animals, with many species living for 20 to 50 years, and some even surpassing this range in captivity. This longevity requires a long-term commitment from their owners.

Choosing the Right Parrot

When selecting a parrot as a pet, it’s crucial to consider the bird’s size, temperament, and care requirements. Smaller species like the Budgerigar (budgie) or Lovebird may be suitable for first-time bird owners, while larger species like the African Grey or Macaw require more space, time, and attention.

Caring for a Parrot

Diet: A balanced diet is essential for a parrot’s health. In captivity, parrots should be provided with a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, and high-quality pellets. Avoid feeding them chocolate, caffeine, or avocado, as these can be toxic.

Social Interaction: Parrots are highly social and require regular interaction with their human companions. Daily playtime and mental stimulation are important to prevent boredom and behavioral issues. Toys, puzzles, and training sessions can help keep them engaged.

Housing: Parrots need a spacious cage that allows them to move around comfortably. The cage should be equipped with perches, toys, and access to fresh water. Regular cleaning is necessary to maintain a healthy environment.

Health Care: Routine veterinary check-ups are vital to ensure a parrot’s well-being. Look out for signs of illness such as changes in eating habits, feather plucking, or lethargy. Regular grooming and beak trimming may also be required.

Training: Training a parrot can enhance its quality of life and strengthen the bond between bird and owner. Positive reinforcement methods, such as treats and praise, can be used to teach various commands and tricks.

Conservation and Threats

Many parrot species are facing threats due to habitat loss, illegal trapping, and the pet trade. Conservation efforts are crucial to protecting these remarkable birds and ensuring their survival for future generations. Organizations worldwide are working to preserve parrot habitats, enforce wildlife protection laws, and educate the public about responsible pet ownership.

Conclusion

Parrots are extraordinary creatures that captivate with their beauty, intelligence, and social behaviors. Whether admired in their natural habitats or cared for as pets, these birds offer a glimpse into the wonders of avian life. Understanding their needs and respecting their natural behaviors are essential steps in ensuring their well-being and conserving their populations. By fostering a greater appreciation and commitment to their care, we can help secure a brighter future for parrots around the globe.

For more visit:

https://rasumusalli.blogspot.com/2024/07/understanding-raw-parrots-guide-to.html

[iselldesigns]

Lovebird is the common name for the genus Agapornis, a small group of parrots in the Old World parrot family Psittaculidae. Of the nine species in the genus, all are native to the African continent, with the grey-headed lovebird being native to the African island of Madagascar.

What kind of music do lovebirds like?If your bird has a bad temper or has a habit of plucking feathers, try letting your bird listen to soft music or find music that makes your bird happy. My pet birds (lovebirds) love calm, peaceful music and they don't even resist listening to workout music.

[kennyparrots]

Secrets About African Parrots

Those who enjoy keeping pets at home will find that the African parrot is a great choice with some interesting traits. The origin of these birds can be traced back to parts of the tropical forests of central and western Africa, where they are found in the form of two main subspecies. These include the Congo gray parrot and the Timneh gray parrot, which can be distinguished by their size and coloration. Congo is larger and has light gray plumage which is distinguished by its dark red tail feathers and black bill. However, the Timneh is relatively smaller with a charcoal gray body and hints of maroon and gray on its tail feathers.

Some Secrets About Gray Parrots

Most of these talking Grey parrots for sale enjoy eating fruit, berries, nuts, seeds, as well as seeds and vegetables. One of the secrets of African parrots is that they have good climbing skills. They climb the top branches of trees to collect various types of food. This species usually tends to nest in trees and palms, or in water areas such as rivers and islands. They have the unique ability to mimic the sounds of humans, birds and mammals including domestic animals such as owls, cats and other species.

On top of that, talking African Grays also possess the most amazing cognitive abilities, along with the ability to imitate sounds exactly as they hear them. You can even reproduce the sound of a ringing telephone, microwave oven, doorbell and other familiar sounds. They can learn repetitive tasks by associating them with some common phrases. They also tend to form strong bonds with their owners and often demand their attention as they get bored easily and show their boredom by plucking their fur.

The average lifespan of African parrots is around 40-60 years, and some of them even manage to live to be 75 years old. Most male birds are larger than female birds and you may notice some differences, such as a narrower head and thinner neck in the female.

You can find these African parrots for sale but they are not cheap and will cost you over a thousand dollars but it is definitely worth the investment to have such a pet. These intelligent creatures can help break up the boredom of the home and create a more welcoming and interactive environment. You can check out some of the best parrot breeders in your area who are breeding African parrots for sale. African parrots can be your best friend to spend free time with.

For more details, visit us : 

Hyacinth Macaw Parrots for Sale

Buy Cockatoo Birds Online in USA

African greys for sale cheap

[boilyerheid]

7: Lightly kissing on top of a freshly formed bruise

any pairing in the Pirates verse? 👀

"How did you know you were, er…" Thomas gestures at nothing in the open air, and Tozer merely quirks an eyebrow without helping at all as he stumbles for words. "That is. That you… liked men?"

"Oh, that."

Oh, that. Like it's nothing - a trivial matter which barely occupies the mind, a forgotten engagement of little import, a passing thought quickly overtaken by more pressing matters.

"Well I'm not like our Ned Little, should make that clear. I'll fuck a man or a woman or anything in between," Tozer shrugs, swinging his dangling feet over the rigging like a child as he offers Thomas a cigarette. He takes it with a nod, grateful for something to do with his hands in the face of such shocking candour. "Always been that way inclined."

"But there must have been a point where you realised it, surely? When you first looked at a bloke and thought… I'm having that," Thomas's accent slips more and more lately, as the mishmash of voices aboard erodes his instinctive need to hide his origins. In conversation with an Irishman, a freed African, and a woman who talks with her hands, where's the need to maintain some fraud of the Queen's English? Tozer looks almost proud of him for it now.

"M'sure there was, but I don't remember it," Tozer exhales a sloppy ring of smoke, grey against the inky night sky. "It's like… women are soft and delicate, or fiery and vicious, or plump and juicy just waiting to be plucked. And men…"

He makes a slightly obscene noise. That might help clarify things as much as the description.

"Men are solid, firm and strong and rough. Or yielding and seductive and willing. They're all shades of the same thing, and they're all good, but sometimes you'd rather drink gin over rum," he passes Thomas his book of matches and catches the lost look on his face, smiling ruefully in response. "Does that help at all?"

"I don't know," Thomas answers, truthfully, and lights his smoke.

Tozer leans over and presses a kiss to the fresh bruise on his cheekbone, the one he'd earned when confronting the rat currently confined in the brig below, and Thomas flushes hot to the tips of his ears at the feather-light, unbidden touch.

"Does that?"

"Perhaps," he admits, and Tozer laughs.

[wingedauthor]

I am 100% down for the Headcanon that Gavin is a cat person. But I might I also raise him being a bird person? 

Meet Dipshit. The foul mouth, bitey, rescued African Grey whom many have compared to his owner. Hates everyone except Gavin (though he still gets bit). Nines is a very rare exception to this fact. Partially inspired by parrot swearing videos like this one. 

Headcanon below. Feel free to add:

As stated Dipshit is a rescue parrot. Three years prior to the revolution, they found him during a Red Ice Ring Raid. He was trapped in a small cage no bigger than him in a very dark room. Due to stress, he had plucked out most of his feathers. It was Gavin who found him and let him out of the cage despite the bird’s angry hissing. 

The bird bit him of course but having dealt with feral cats, Gavin remained calm ignoring the pain. Dipshit ran up his shoulder then and refused to get off; biting anyone and everyone who got too close to Gavin

Gavin took him to a local exotic shelter to see if they could find him a good home. Dipshit seemed... heartbroken seeing Gavin leave. Gavin stayed in touch with the shelter to see if anyone tried adopting him. Meanwhile he started doing research. After a few weeks of no one being willing to take in the angry bird, he decided to bring him home. 

Dipshit was uncharacteristically happy seeing Gavin again. Especially when he took the bird away. 

Gavin spent a good chunk of his savings getting the biggest cage that would fit in his apartment and an assortment of bird toys, perches, treats, food etc. That first night together, Gavin learned Dipshit was afraid of the dark and hates being locked in his cage. He pretty much screamed until Gavin turned the lights back on and opened the cage. Though not the best for his health, Gavin decided to just leave the cage door open at all times and leave a nightlight on for bird. 

Gavin still has a cat named Asshole. She was curious about Dipshit at first but much to Gavin’s relief, she really has no desire to chase Dipshit. He’s pretty sure Dipshit could take her on in a fight though. Slowly his feathers started to grow back but there’s still a few missing patches. Unlike most birds, Dipshit was quite content going long hours without seeing Gavin. As long as Gavin spent most of his time with the bird when he was home, he was fine. He has free range of Gavin’s apartment though will mostly sit on top of his cage or on a free standing perch in the living room. His wings are clipped just for safety. 

Dipshit did not help Hank’s fear of birds. 

The bird has picked up Gavin’s dislike of the lieutenant and attacks every time he sees Hank. Connor came over to apartment once to collect some case files and was attacked by Dipshit as well. He completely understands Hank’s fear now of that bird.

Nines was an interesting case. Maybe part of it was Gavin didn’t really have a seething hatred of the newer android and Dipshit picked up on that. The first time he came over, Dipshit put on his threatening dance. 

Gavin: Careful he bites Nines: I cannot feel pain Detective but I appreciate your concern Gavin: I’m not worried about you dumb ass. Dipshit can easily bite through your plastic fingers and thirium is extremely poisonous to birds. Nines: Noted.

But Nines showed no fear. Dipshit obeyed a very stern command to not bite and step up. Gavin was completely shocked. Dipshit never listened to anyone. Not even the vets. 

To rub salt in the wound, Nines was the first person who was able to give Dipshit scritches. He explained that sometimes angry creatures just needed a kind but firm tone. (Not unlike a certain detective). Nines now visits regularly to help Gavin train Dipshit. 

[tiktokparrot]

Discover 10 Essential Tips for African Gray Parrot Care! From cage cleanliness to healthy diet, ensure your feathered friend thrives. Read now!

[confetti-critter]

Man I WISH I had an off switch so I could just turn myself off when I wanted to sleep because there isn't an activity I can do before bed that doesn't GIVE me energy so I end up sitting on my bed doing NOTHING until I figure I might as well be lying down in bed, but I'm still wide awake. I'm an African grey parrot and I'm gunna destructively pluck my own feathers due to lack of meaningful enrichment

[periwinkleparrots]

Bird of the Week- African Grey

Lifespan: Around 40- 60 years

Latin name: Psittacus erithacus

Diet: Seeds, nuts, berries and vegetation; they particuarly like fruit from the African Oil Palm.

Personality: Their behaviour in the wild is not well-documented, as they are secretive birds (perhaps due to being prey animals, preyed upon by a number of raptors. However, they are very social, and rely on a flock-type structure. In captivity, they tend to be good talkers, and are highly intelligent. Due to their complex needs, they can be prone to feather plucking, amd need plenty stimulation to prevent this. Unlike some other parrots, greys are not 'cuddly', and will usualy only tolerate head-scratching.

Native to: Also known as the Congo Parrot, they are native to equatorial Africa.

Habitat: Greys favour dense forest, but are also found at forest edges, and in more open savanna forests.

Conservation status: Endangered, numbers decreasing. This is largely due to deforestation and the pet trade.

Fun facts: Some African Greys are said to live in Florida- however, these are escaped pets, and no evidence of breeding has yet been discovered. One of the most famous African Grey Parrots was Alex, who could identify, request, refuse and categorise around 100 items.

[inqilabi]

I love parrots but I can't believe some people get larger parrots from a breeder. Like macaws, African Greys, cockatoos.. their breeding in captivity for commercial sale should be banned.. as it shouldn't be a pet. And should only be rescues.. Their life expectancy is 60 years if not easily more. They will outlive you. And to make it worse, like all larger birds, they pair bond for life. So they often experience extreme distress when their bonded owner dies. And in general too, they will pluck their feathers out of stress of neglect which is easy. How can you provide the stimulation of a forest in a house it's impossible. Like unless you can have an outdoor aviary, it's cruel.

[gascon-en-exil]

Feather plucking in African Greys is a behavioral problem. Boredom / Lack of Attention: An African Grey needs lots of attention and interaction with their “flock”. Keep them stimulated – teach new songs, words or a game. Make sure to provide your bird with plenty of toys.

This is just more random trolling, but the funny thing is that my grandparents did own an African Grey among other parrots although it never did much of that. I think it enjoyed harassing the other birds, using its extensive vocabulary at inappropriate times, and mock-biting anyone who would come close. It died several years ago, though.

[allaboutamarilla]

not Amarilla today— but Freddy, our African Grey!! he’s the oldest of our birds, we think— he’s the only one with an ankle tag, born the same year I was, so he’s 20!! poor thing came to us totally plucked, but he’s starting to grow feathers under his wings and on his legs!!! he’s a very good boy. he likes to make laser/gun/explosion sounds.