This is a triggering video for those uncomfortable around topics of self harm, trypophobia and blood. This topic is super sensitive for me. There are some awful people in the world who will judge and make comment on Shelby, her appearance and behaviours, but despite that I won’t hide her away or pretend this isn’t happening. Shelby has been plucking her feathers out for three years now, she started when she was 7 months old. She’s had various tests, her diet has been manipulated and changed countless times, pellets were removed then reintroduced, certain nuts were removed from her diet entirely and she’s been tested for diseases more times than is even remotely necessary. We’re headed back in a few weeks for further testing even though at this point it is extremely unlikely Shelby will ever stop plucking her feathers out. Even though she squeals in pain each time she pulls a feather out she still continues to do it over and over, chewing the feathers she’s pulled out and even focusing on licking the blood in some cases. It’s horrible to watch but she seems to gain some comfort from doing it, and even if the cause is found it may never stop this behaviour. . . . #shelbythemacaw #macawsofig #macaw #parrot #behaviour #trypophobia #trigger #parrotlife