Urgent What topical ointment can I use on my Moluccan Cockatoo for skin irritation?

[Herr Vogel]

I own a 40 year old Moluccan who has lost some of his breast feathers mostly due to feather picking. I have taken him to a bird vet for that issue. A few days ago I noticed an area under his right wing (about the size of a quarter) that is reddish. It looks like an abrasion; something akin to a knee scrape in humans. He's not constantly picking the area; nor does he seem to be in any pain. On further examination it looks like he plucked out a series of small feathers under his right wing causing the small feather follicles to turn reddish. There's no blood. There's just something that looks like an abrasion. Is there a safe topical ointment that I can apply on the affected area that will prevent infection and result in healing? What about Vetericyn Plus Wound Spray? What is a safe way to clean the area?

 

[Teckechick]

I would ask your vet to prescribe the proper cream for the abrasion. Most human type creams/ointments are not safe for birds. Your guy may also need some kind of pain med if he starts picking at the area.

I am sure others will pop on and have a bit more helpful advice!!!

 

[rocky'smom]

Agreed^^^

 

[Hankmacaw]

Your vet needs to assess if the plucking is due to some physical problem such a atherosclerosis or chlamydia, or a skin or feather follicle infection. Many cases of feather destructive behavior are caused by displaced pain and the underlying cause of the pain needs to be identified.