In previous newsletters, we examined the pros and cons of keeping a companion bird’s wings clipped. What if your bird has begun to pluck her feathers for one reason or another? What if you are fostering or have adopted a bird that plucks?
Not that long ago, I adopted a Jardine Macaw named Joocey, from Bird Tails. I loved her the minute I saw her and she responded to me with astounding courage considering the circumstances from which she came. She had been with the same human companion for many years. He was elderly and died having made no provisions for Joocey. She was passed around from one family member to another, but not one of them knew how to care for a bird, nor were they interested in her. She was neglected, and in her grief (yes, sadly, birds grieve), she began to pluck her feathers. When she was finally surrendered to Bird Tails, her chest was completely bare as was the top of her back. When I was blessed with adopting her, she came timid, but hopeful (you can just tell these things 🙂 ). I knew it was possible Joocey would not re-feather, but as long as she was happy in the environment I could provide for her, and with the love I felt for her, all would be well.
I began to give feathers quite a bit of thought. Feathers, wing feathers being preferred, were used as pens during the 6th to 19th centuries. Feathers were considered symbolic of commu- nication and thought. Feathers/wings allow flight, but there are birds that have feathers but don’t fly; the ostrich and the penguin, for example. They don’t suffer with their limitations. As humans, we associate feathers with flight, the ability to soar. However, without feathers, we can soar as high as we can imagine.
Was it necessary for Joocey to fly? She would never be threat- ened, didn’t need to fly in search for food, or to find some- where safe to sleep. She wasn’t confined to her cage, in fact, spent all of her day wandering around inside and out of it.
Her lack of feathers did not inhibit her ability to communicate – she was very capable of making her needs and desires crystal clear with them.
If she had been a fully feathered Jardine, she would have been absolutely beautiful. However, feathered or not, the beauty of her personality was brilliant and far outshined her lack of feathers. She talked, she laughed, she loved to be held, and her dancing was worthy of Dancing With The Stars.
My experience with Joocey further reminded me that beauty comes from within, and unconditional love overlooks all exterior appearances. I will always be grateful for her. Sadly, Joocey passed away earlier this year.
