any cures on how to stop african grey parrots from plucking?

Question

I hvae tried everything from collars, medications, toys, etc. Any clever ideas?

Answer 1

Plucking feathers in birds can be a sign of stress and boredom. You may need to switch out your pets toys and take him out to play more often. Birds are very social and need LOTS of attention. You also could, if you haven't all ready find a bird specialist. Lots of different foods (also check with your vet) can keep them busy...veggies and seeds to crack also fruit. Good luck!

Answer 2

Plucking is one of those frustrating things that has a million possibilities and often no cure. However, I've heard some success has been achieved with 1) letting the bird get extra sunlight while outside and 2) offering the birds some red palm oil to their diet.

The extra sunlight seems to be an important aspect of African Grey health. In the wild these birds would receive more sunlight than most other parrot species. Apparently sunlight helps the feathers and gives them enough vitamin D to prevent calcium deficiency.

The Red Palm oil is supposedly part of Grey Parrot diet in the wild. Many folks have had success using this product on plucking birds. I've never tried it before, but it might be worth a shot :-) .

The causes of Plucking are hard to pinpoint. I wish you luck! My conures pluck and I'm not sure how to make them stop. It appears to stem from breeding stress, so I'll hope the plucking ends in a few months!

Answer 3

Have you had her checked for mites? PFPD (Psittacine feather disease)? Do you have other birds? Sometimes they are stressed by being left alone a lot (africans and cockatoos have been likened to feathered three year olds!) and want attention; sometimes the attention or calming from another bird talking (you don't necessarily need to get another Gray!) helps, unless your Gray is a very jealous one - then might not want to share. In the wild (go outside)- listen to what is outside normally...birds are singing, chirping, etc. But if a cat or other predator comes around, the place goes quiet in an instant! - Is there stressful things around when you're gone (He can see cats through the window, delivery people banging on the door, construction in the area?) Sometimes having some bird tapes running, for some background noise (or TV set on) can help. I know this is a big problem for a lot of birds. You could also try those bird toys that try to engage their brain to get a treat out of a block of wood, millet sprays by the truckload. If the problem is worse in the late fall/winter months, and you live in an area where you have to heat your house, try increasing the humidity by misting the bird frequentl (never allow it to go to "bed" wet, however). Sometimes these guys will see one feather out of place, pull it out, then look and see that something's wrong, so they keep going after it til they are just about bald.

I would also make sure he's got plenty of variety in his diet and vitamin/mineral supplementation. Check with an AVIAN vet (there are usually not a lot of vets who are really qualified to treat real live bird problems) Good luck to you!

Answer 4

Your bird is totally bored out of his mind. If you were put into cell with toys for the rest of your life with no chance of ever getting out, would you not pull your hair out?
He needs an aviary at least instead of a cage and letting out of that all the time.
I have three budgies and the door of their large cage is open all the time, they are VERY happy birds and sing and chatter to each other.
Also I dont suppose that he has any company, and is left on his own for long periods of time.
My birds have natural eucolptus branches which are changed every other day, they really love chewing the leaves and the bark.
I cant imagine a coller on a bird, it sounds very cruel to me. Couldnt you donate him to a local zoo or somewhere where he will be more in his natural surroundings and a lot happier, he sounds one very unhappy bird.

Answer 5

Well at least it's not the thrashing the Greys are known for. I know one person who cured their parrot of plucking, it wasn't a grey though, by adding a table spoon of vinegar to it's mist bottle. The parrot loved to be misted, but apparently disliked the taste of the vinegar. If you try it do NOT add more vinegar as too much may irritate the birds eyes.

Answer 6

Your bird needs some stimulation...more attention, new toys, listening to the radio when you're not there...leave the cage door open more so he can get out, and do what he likes ( within reason)

Answer 7

Lot's of possible reasons for feather picking..plz visit http://www.thebirdclinic.com/Feather_Picking.html for more info.