Is Thunder molting or plucking?

[thunderstruck]

When they molt do they also pull at the feathers? I've only had him for five days and when he fluffs up or shakes little feathers come off. Tonight I was petting him he flipped a switch and tried to bite me. Immediately after that he pulled out a chest feather. At first I thought he was molting but after that I am totally baffled. He hasn't pulled at his tail or his wings that I've noticed but today he has been messing with his chest. I tried to get a pic to put up but he freaked out as soon as he saw the camera and I didn't want to make it worse. I live in the USA and it's spring now. does that affect birds like other animals?

[thunderstruck]

I forgot to mention he hates being misted so I haven't done that yet..could that be the problem? and if so how often should I be misting him?

[jules]

definatley sounds like thunder is molting,i think most birds do in spring. greys often appear to be pulling at their feathers to try and remove their old ones. misting at least once a day will help him feel less itchy too

[thunderstruck]

thanks so much.. I feel relieved to hear that cause I am so worried bout doing stuff right for this guy!

[jules]

 we all worry at times and sometimes over nothing but i know where you're coming from. you'\re doing everything right so far for thunder. he does sound a lovely bird,you're going to get along just great. remember thunder might not want touching much while he's molting .he'lll let you know when he's had enough 

[feika]

Initially they don't like misting but after a couple of rounds, you'll notice that he starts to like it.

[sweeetnlowww]

hi...welcome here    curious, do you mean thunder is pulling actual feathers, or just little white fluffy ones? (those fall off all the time, no need for worry)...i didn't know that either at first! ...best way (thanks to members on here) to tell if they're molting is if their head feels 'prickly'...even so, still no need for worry...mist daily, make it short and fun to start (yippee! shower time! etc) soon you will be complaining that you can't take a private bath without your little thunder wanting to join, or doing dishes takes too long cuz he wants to bite the bubbles in the sink