Feather Abuse in Parrots: Causes and Approaches to Resolution

[JLcribber]

This article was just posted the other day and is a super duper read. I truly believe what the article says about us just not going far enough to find out the true cause of plucking and many many times it is a physical problem that goes unchecked/undiscovered.

Articles written about the problem of feather abuse in parrots always seem to begin with a description of the problem, using adjectives such as "frustrating,” “disconcerting,” “difficult,” and “challenging,” among others. Feather abuse or “feather picking” as it is often called, is a tough problem to solve, and resolution is frequently elusive. Further, there is no avian problem as capable of causing distress to the owner. It is a painful experience to watch a beloved parrot companion destroy his own feathers. Resolution of any feather picking case requires that a methodical and thorough approach be taken to the identification and correction of all contributing causes.

Feather Abuse in Parrots by Pamela Clark

Feather Abuse in Parrots

web.archive.org

 

[wezl]

John, thank you for the wonderful link. I've favorited and will print out a copy to take with me when we take Oliver in again. I was already starting to suspect food sensitivities and it's great to know that so many factors can play a role. Thanks!

 

[suncoast]

Excellent article.

Ginger

 

[waterfaller1]

That is great, thanks John.

 

[Holiday]

Tammy Jenkins, DVM estimates that approximately 80% of feather picking cases have at least one underlying physical cause.

Woah Nellie. That is good to know...

 

[shellbeme]

Interesting read thanks for the link

 

[GG.]

excellent link John, thanks for posting!

 

[Gen120]

awesome link, thank you!

 

[Jally]

I bookmarked it to read later. Thanks!

 

[Ginas Girls]

Great Link...thanks!

 

[gayla]

JL I can't tell you how helpfull that article was.

Pita has a vet appointment on Wednesday. I am going to have a full blood panel done...he had one in November, but his feather problem started in Feb.....I am also going to have any other tests his vet suggests. I took some helpfull notes that I will discuss with his vet as well. Things I wouldn't have thought of to bring up.

Fingers crossed it's just hormonal.

 

[JLcribber]

I hope you can find a definite cause for Pita's plucking. He has a great life with you so I can't imagine it's behavioral. There must be an underlying cause IMO.

 

[Timmy&Crash]

Great article John, thanks for posting am glad I found this sight so much useful and great information. Timmy my 14 month old TAG has recently started picking, I am praying its just because he has started going through his 1st major molt, but I am going to schedule an appointment with our vet and have some test ran.
Thanks again for the link.

 

[Chihuahua]

Link is briken,.

 

[SilverBirdie]

The link is broken

 

[JLcribber]

Yea that happens eventually. May as well delete the thread too. I can't locate it anymore.

 

[expressmailtome]

@SilverBirdie and @JLcribber here is a link to the article: Feather Abuse in Parrots by Pamela Clark .

 

[CMThomas]

I can't find the article. Trying to find as much information about plucking as I can. Had my green wing at the vet several times, she said all of his test are normal and his blood work is excellent, best she has seen in any bird for a long time.
She put him on Prozac for stress. That didn't work he stressed more with us giving him the medication.
I have been told to check out homeopathic remedies. I have been looking a pluck no more from Kings Cages and I also found people that have used 6c of chamomilla.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

 

[JLcribber]

I can't find the article. Trying to find as much information about plucking as I can. Had my green wing at the vet several times, she said all of his test are normal and his blood work is excellent, best she has seen in any bird for a long time.
She put him on Prozac for stress. That didn't work he stressed more with us giving him the medication.
I have been told to check out homeopathic remedies. I have been looking a pluck no more from Kings Cages and I also found people that have used 6c of chamomilla.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

The link is in the post right above yours.

I can tell you right now that there are no magic potions to stop plucking. A healthy plucking bird is suffering from stress and frustration. Almost always situational/environmental/behavioural.

If you stick around and tell us more about your situation I'm sure we can help. Start a new thread with your story. All the information you need is right here.

 

[JLcribber]

Some other links.

Feather Plucking in Parrots and How To Manage It

The Basics of Feather Picking