Vega
Rollerblading along the road
- Joined
- 1/29/10
- Messages
- 1,636
- Real Name
- Joni
I'm almost afraid to mention this in fear Harvey will some how find out...
but I just can't help myself! I've talked on here a bit about my conure's plucking issue since our living arrangements changed almost 2 years ago. He's a stress plucker and has been growing increasingly worse this summer. His legs, belly/chest, & back are completely bald. He's also plucked bald areas on his "shoulders". His secondary cage, at my mom's house, is the one I purchased with him-23x23 in size. For a Patagonian that is already large, the cage isn't very big, especially when I add toys. I wasn't sure if purchasing a new cage would help or hurt the situation though. He also has a tendency to freak out when new things are introduced to his environment.
A couple weeks ago I found a used cage on Craigslist that wasn't too far from where I live. Excellent condition, only minor wear. Having watched him spend weeks sitting in 1 spot, and knowing I had the extra money, I figured I would go for it. If he didn't like it I could always resell it.
Well, he's been in it for 9 days now. He's already letting feathers grow in on his legs!! 5 of them!!! Granted, he is over preening them, but they are still there.
I'm praying that this could be the turning point in his plucking. I've cut back the Avicalm to its regular dose (he was getting double for a while) to see how well he does. I'm not holding my breath, but at the same time I kinda am. I so miss my brightly feathered boy.
but I just can't help myself! I've talked on here a bit about my conure's plucking issue since our living arrangements changed almost 2 years ago. He's a stress plucker and has been growing increasingly worse this summer. His legs, belly/chest, & back are completely bald. He's also plucked bald areas on his "shoulders". His secondary cage, at my mom's house, is the one I purchased with him-23x23 in size. For a Patagonian that is already large, the cage isn't very big, especially when I add toys. I wasn't sure if purchasing a new cage would help or hurt the situation though. He also has a tendency to freak out when new things are introduced to his environment.A couple weeks ago I found a used cage on Craigslist that wasn't too far from where I live. Excellent condition, only minor wear. Having watched him spend weeks sitting in 1 spot, and knowing I had the extra money, I figured I would go for it. If he didn't like it I could always resell it.
Well, he's been in it for 9 days now. He's already letting feathers grow in on his legs!! 5 of them!!! Granted, he is over preening them, but they are still there.
I'm praying that this could be the turning point in his plucking. I've cut back the Avicalm to its regular dose (he was getting double for a while) to see how well he does. I'm not holding my breath, but at the same time I kinda am. I so miss my brightly feathered boy.
