A friend's African Grey has stopped plucking

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

My friend Shirley rang me up today to say that her African Grey called Major has stopped plucking and after years of looking like an oven ready chicken some of his feathers are beginning to return. She attributes this to the tub on Nutriberries we took him as a gift when we went to dinner there in January.
So what do you think? Is it just because he was bored of the same old food day after day or might he be vitamin difficient - their house is even older than ours with low ceilings and small windows and is quite dark inside. Vitamin D perhaps?
Anyway, Shirley is delighted and asked me where we get the Nutriberries so she can get some more. So lets hope for at least a partial regrowth of his plumage.
:goodjob: :loveit: :magic: :th_smile:

*You may gather from the excessive use of smileys that I am quite pleased.

[Dragonlady2]

Great news about the Grey! Potentially, the nutriberries could have had an impact on stopping the plucking. Time will tell. Although many people are against seeds and pro-pellet, I am a firm believer that due to the different nutritional requirements of parrots that pellets are not a perfect food. Seeds are required, in my opinion, for feathers and beaks, as well as chop. I remember reading that African Greys had different dietary requirements, but I can't remember what it was....I'll have to go back and check this out.

My flock get 2 nutriberries per day.

[Quakerella]

That is fantastic Jean-Pierre, what good news.

Personally, I think I agree with you regarding a possible vitamin deficiency. As you know birds require a lot of light, it only makes sense when you think they are actually meant to be outside all day. Can they put the cage closer to the window?

What a great gesture of you to take the nutriberries to them, and in turn it may just have aided in a health issue.:th_biggrin:

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

I think that Major has a diet of seed and fresh fruit and veg and the nutriberries as a treat.
We took the tub of nutriberries because we had just bought two for Casper who immediately decided not to want them. They are back in favour now. :)

[Lady]

That surely is great news!
I've heard it said, one mans trash is another mans treasure, in this case, Casper's. It was a wonderful idea to share Casper's undesired nutriberries with Major! I was going to suggest the next time you visit perhaps you might have the chance to talk to them about getting some full spectrum lighting, less of course you have one to spare :th_hehe:. Really, I totally love re-gifting and do it whenever needed!

[Casper's 2nd best friend]

Margaret spoke to Shirley today and Major's new supply of Nutriberries had just arrived. I will be mentioning the lack of light and possible use of full spectrum bulbs next time we meet. Shirley was excited about all the toys they had on the parrot supplies website and hopefully Major will be getting some mental stimulation soon. And maybe Shirley will work it out for her self now she realises how useful the internet is for parrot information.
Major was apparently nearly bald when they took him in from a rescue centre which must have been quite a while ago because he has been living with them for as long as I can remember.
The scarlet butt feathers started growing first and now he is getting new feathers on his back. I am excited about seeing him next time we visit.

[Lady]

Wonderful news Jean-Pierre~ :th_bounce4:

[Stephen12]

Good to hear that. Seem like a vitamin deficiency to me.