The problem is he has broken all of his tail feathers and most of his wing feathers. He is not picking them. We just keep finding them broken, and have to clip them off at the break. I have been told he is just a clumsy baby. Is this true, and how long will it take for them to grow back? What can we do to prevent this? He has never molted.

--Ginny Ameiss, House Spring, Mo.

If you're certain Cyrano is not snapping his own feathers in two (called barbering), it does sound as if you might have an awkward young bird on your hands. Had you recently clipped his wings? If so, this might have contributed to falls off the perch and other clumsiness that would result in broken feathers.

Broken feathers, such as those seen on this eclectus, can be the result of clumsiness - or barbering.

Pulling a broken feather would stimulate the follicle to grow a new one; however, this also could damage the follicle, which you don't want. It's best to wait for a molt to see replacement feathers.

You don't say how old Cyrano is, but most birds have their first molt at about 9 months of age and then roughly once a year thereafter. If he does not moult within a year, a vet visit and lab tests are warranted.

James Harris, DVM is owner and medical director of the Mayfair Veterinary Clinic in Sandy Bay, Tasmania, Australia. He founded Montclair Veterinary Hospital in Oakland, Calif., and has served as medical director and chairman of the board for the International Bird Rescue Research Center in Berkeley. Dr. Harris' numerous professional honors include California and National Bustad Companion Animal DVM Awards.

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