HELP: Pulling & Picking at Feathers

Handsome · Post by **Handsome** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 7:39 pm

This is my first post on the forums, but I've had my IRN aka 'Handsome' for 8 years now. He's been wonderful throughout the years, but for the past 5-6 months now, he's been pulling and picking at his feathers. Its got to the point where he's fully bald under his wings and back, now he's starting at his legs.

Everyday, he keeps picking at these same spots, and it seems he's now picking out dead skin??? I know stress can be a major issue, but I dont think Handsome is under any stress. He only spends time in the cage at night when we're all sleeping, and from 'noon he's out wandering the house.

I've taken him to the vet but, theyre no bird specialist and only supplied us with medication. Any of you having similar problems?? Advices would greatly be appreciated.

alana8819 · Post by **alana8819** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 9:28 pm

could be poor diet what do you feed him does he get enough fruit and vege. have you had handsome checked for lice? also it could be stress even with the simplest changes maybe new pet , baby, kids if any left home etc i hope he gets better i'm no expert but im sure a few people on here will have an idea

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 1:22 am

Diet can play a very important role.

Most vets point to the parasite giardia as playing a role in feather picking in birds that are infected. It's important to rule this out, and any other medical conditions. Your vet should be able to consult with an avian vet if you cannot get to one. Most avian vets are willing to help- that's why they're vets!

I don't know what country you are in, but the Association of Avian Veterinarians has listings of vets in both the US and Australia at least.
http://www.aav.org/vet-lookup/

(I just found out about that organization this week while doing some more avain research- it was an exciting find!)

To help with irritation, I've heard some good success with aloe. Here's an excerpt from one of my favourite sites:

"ALOE VERA-- The most popular herbal remedy for the care of parrots seems to be aloe. One popular use of aloe is a topical spray to sooth the irritated skin of birds that engage in feather plucking. Dramatic results can be obtained with this protocol when used on parrots who are destroying their feathers due to an itchy condition of the skin. Even in cases of psychological plucking, the aloe spray has been known to slow down feather destruction, due to the fact that damp feathers seem to dampen the urge to pluck. The easiest way to obtain a quality aloe spray for parrots is to buy it from a health food store. I recommend George's Aloe Spray, which comes in a spray bottle with eight ounces for approximately five dollars. Otherwise, a spray can be made by obtaining a new and clean spray bottle and filling it with a solution of one part pure aloe vera juice to three parts distilled water." LINK

Handsome · Post by **Handsome** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 3:10 pm

Thanks for all the replies. Handsome's diet consists of seeds, fruits, and at times whatever we have for dinner. It’s very hard for him to eat independently because his upper beak is paralyzed due an accident. We would have to hand feed him certain fruits, but it's very hard trying to balance my work hours with his daily course meals.

Thanks for the avian link; I found a near clinic within 20 mins. PS I have a quick question in regards to the aloe spray, would I spray directly to the spots where he's picking (back and under wings) or his overall body?

alana8819 · Post by **alana8819** » Fri Dec 14, 2007 9:53 pm

hope handsome gets better poor baby

Melika · Post by **Melika** » Sat Dec 15, 2007 9:46 pm

Handsome wrote:Thanks for all the replies. Handsome's diet consists of seeds, fruits, and at times whatever we have for dinner. It’s very hard for him to eat independently because his upper beak is paralyzed due an accident. We would have to hand feed him certain fruits, but it's very hard trying to balance my work hours with his daily course meals.

Thanks for the avian link; I found a near clinic within 20 mins. PS I have a quick question in regards to the aloe spray, would I spray directly to the spots where he's picking (back and under wings) or his overall body?

You can spray his whole body, but especially where he is picking.

You can take veggies and fruits and grind them in a food processor- making a fresh 'birdie slushie'. Do you think Handsome would try that? Or a blender, then he could just kinda drink it? Veggies are way more important then fruits. You can try one veggie at a time to find out what he likes and doesn't like. Trying a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on veggies might make them more appetizing, if he likes spicy.

I'm glad you found a nearby vet, I hope all goes well there.