Eric & Toys

[Squid]

Hiya Everyone,
I wondered if I could get some opinions on a problem I have,
I have a serious plucker, his name is Eric, and as far as his history goes, well, I believe he was left in a conservatory, with little or no attention, when I took him on, I knew he was going to be a challenge, as he is not tame whatsoever, and plucks very badly, he has had all his tests done for literally everything, all had wing implants, a prodedure called "wing pinning" that procedure was a success, he has since groen his own tail feathers, and also kept most or all of his wings.
He still plucks his chest badly, and I have noticed he will concentrate on plucking when playing with any toys he has, he does destroy his toys, but whilst doing so also plucks? its weird, and then when the toy is demolished and hits the floor of his cage, he stops plucking?
If I take the hanging toys out, he gets all fluffy on his chest? I am sorta fighting with myself, because I keep thinking he needs toys, but maybe he doesnt?

[hammyloz]

y not have the very basics in his cage and then introduce a playtime with him and yourself on the floor that way you can end the session rapidly if he starts plucking which im sure in time will pee him off and make him realise a pluck = loss of toytime

[Squid]

Hammy, Thanks, I reckon thats a great idea, he does have an aviary he goes in for afternoon/evenings, he never plucks in there. ? So you reckon it eould be ok to just keep the basics? he doesnt mind his perches etc, or his bowls, he just takes major offence to any toys?

[billysprout]

I agree with hammy, make playtime your time together while your "in control" of him and let cage time be quiet time as your fids are out a lot.

[Squid]

Thanks, I am going to take his tiys out, see how it goes, I just felt guilty that his cage was so bland, but as you say, he is out in the birdie or conservatory all day anyway, thanks, you have made me feel better x