2006-07-01 07:17:31 · 8 answers · asked by debbandgene 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
Do the vet check first to rule out health issues.
Toys! I have a preening ring, and also give fresh branches to chew, toilet paper on the roll to destroy, paper towel dowels, egg cartons, etc.
Frequent baths/mistings.
Make sure there are no irritants in the bird's enviornment: cigarette smoke, candles, aerosol sprays, cleaning agents.
Make sure they are on a top notch diet (fresh foods, avian vitamin supplement). They need a source of UV light, either special bulbs, or natural light (not through a window).
Sometimes you can be doing everything right, and they still pluck/chew, break feathers. Just do the best you can by them. If it gets really bad, or if the bird starts picking at his skin, you will have to put him in a collar so he doesnt' continue to hurt himself. There is info on collars on the net, and consult your vet. Make sure the vet you go to actually knows something about birds; not all of them do!
2006-07-01 15:30:33 · answer #1 · answered by Kelley J 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parrots chew and peck their feathers for a variety of reasons .... several have already been mentioned.
No matter what you do, I have found that some parrots will peck their feathers and sometimes those of their mate. Sometimes a salt block on the floor of the cage will help. There is a spray on product which you can buy from the vet or pet shop which is bitter and will stop them picking but you have to spray it on every day. I have had a certain amount of success with this product (mine is called "Stop Pick") but some birds will continue to pick feathers all their lives... I think it must be like fingernail biting in humans.
Best of luck.
2006-07-02 02:53:57 · answer #2 · answered by dollybird4646 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try putting in your search: Pet keeping with Marc Marrone. He's an animal expert and might be able to answer your question. I've heard of Parrot's chewing on their feather's and I think it's when their stressed but not really sure - try the "search thing" that I said above. And if that doesn't help - take him to the Vet's - that's the best option if you really care for your animal. Good luck to you.
2006-07-01 08:15:33 · answer #3 · answered by You'llneverguess 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Mite's can cause this also as well as stress. I agree with the other answer's also. Parrots like to be social.
2006-07-01 12:21:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
My african grey did this...turned out he was allergic to my air freshner. Get a spray bottle and warm water. Spray him 3 x a week. The skin is very senstitive to smoke, candles, etc.
2006-07-01 09:15:47 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get another bird she sounds lonely my bird used to pull out her feathers and eat a lot before we got her Gabrial
2006-07-01 09:16:21 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
it usually means they are bored, so get her some toys or play with her more often. if she isnt pulling her feathers out, she's probably just preening.
2006-07-01 07:30:42 · answer #7 · answered by asdfgh. 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Get it a mate to spend time with.
2006-07-01 16:46:47 · answer #8 · answered by Paloma M 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋