Someone is selling a macaw and I really want one but it has a plucking problem. The seller said she rescued it from someone who had neglected it severely. I want to know if you can get a parrot to stop plucking with TLC?
2006-09-13 09:44:26 · 10 answers · asked by BereaGirl 3 in Pets ➔ Birds
Tricky Question:
TLC helps but there is more to it than that. This habit is not unlike Anorexia, Bulimia, or Self-Harm (cutting), it is kind of a physical manifestation of what's going on with them clinically or psychologically; some do it as a result of stress.
There are other causes as well:
Poor diet, not enough sleep, as well as bacterial infections, can all be the cause of plucking. The problem is that after it has begun, it goes from a symptom of something else, to a habit of its own.
There are several ways to attack the problem:
1. First of all get the Macaw to an Avian Vet, pronto.
2. Have a blood panel done. This will give you a picture of his overall health as well as bacterial counts and deficiencies he may have.
If you can attack the problem from a clinical standpoint, you might be able to stop it right there.
3. Richard King's Company, "King's Cages" has developed a topical and internal liquid that does seem to help: it's called Pluck-No-More and I have seen good results from it as well as very little result. It depends on how well you follow the directions and how tenacious you are with the program. You have to follow the directions precisely to even have a hope for it to work. You need to keep them on it for many months.
4. Make sure he is getting a balanced diet. If he is on a seed-only diet, begin weaning him off of it now and get him on a well-rounded feeding program.
5. Make sure he is getting 10 to 12 hours of quiet, dark, uninterrupted sleep every single night.
6. Do what is called "packing the cage". Make sure he has access to all kinds of chewable toys: raffia, wood, leather, paper, bottlebrush wood, and coconut husk, Etc. Go to a bird supply store and get anything that looks like it is enticing and chewable. You will then observe what he seems to like to play with and chew on. Keep in mind that every minute he spends chewing on something else is a minute where he is NOT chewing on his own feathers. You need to provide an alternate material for him that he will find just as interesting as his own body.
7. Completely ignore the behavior. Do not inadvertently reinforce his plucking by calling attention to it. Don't correct him, don't look at him when he does it and don't comment on it.
There are many websites with information available to you: Google: "feather plucking" and you will see hundreds of results with information on the condition.
Nobody really knows what causes the issue in some cases, and it varies from bird to bird, whether the feathers will grow back even if you manage to stop them from plucking.
I have a rescued Grey who was taken out of the negative environment 8 months ago. She was almost completely bald. Today, the only part that is not covered with feathers and down is her chest. However, the feathers and down are beginning to close in, making the plucked area smaller and smaller.
So It can be done. I have a ringside seat in my living room and I see my Grey's progress every day.
If the follicles are damaged, this may not happen. You will have to get used to his appearance and love him just as he is.
But the real issue is to attempt to find out what is causing it and correcting those issues.
If all negative issues are corrected, then you merely cope with the fact that you have a Plucker. But you will have a healthier bird as a result of attacking the problem from all angles.
On the flip side, if you get him into a stable, loving and healthy environment, he may just stop. My rescued Grey did.
Good Luck and I hope this has helped.
2006-09-14 07:18:15 · answer #1 · answered by Phoenix 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my african grey was a feather plucker - bald from the neck down, only had some back feathers. I took him to a couple of avian vets until it was decided that it could have something to do with diet. I got him on a pelleted diet and Today my bird is full feathered! Of course, our vet said that does not happen very often. He has only seen this 3 or 4 times where the feathers came in. Usually the damage is too much for them to regrow feathers. If you really want to buy this bird you will have to accept that he will probably always be bald. Even if your TLC stops him from plucking, he may never grow them back. It is up to you if this makes a difference. They are still a living breathing creature with the potential to return your love. I would never part with my bird even if he continued to pluck the rest of his life! You get used to seeing him like that and love him the way he is
2006-09-13 20:42:50 · answer #2 · answered by rockyp11 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want this bird to stop plucking, follow these steps: Be prepared for a LIFETIME commitment. When I say that, I mean the birds life, not just yours.
Take for exam to an AVIAN vet, (I recommend Sam Vaughn in Louisville, KY, if you are in that area) not just a vet that will see a bird. Get a full exam done to check for parasites, blood levels, etc.
Go to Kings Cages at www.kingscages.com and order Pluck No More. Follow the directions EXACTLY.
Email me privately and I will show you what this stuff can do and tell you the story of Peanut the Blue-Fronted Amazon and send you our pics of her.
2006-09-13 21:19:53 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Depending on why the bird plucks, yes it can be stopped.
Some pluck due to parasites, some from boredom, and there are a variety of other reasons.
Treatment may require that the bird be collared to stop the plucking habit, but assuming the cause is not medical, time and lots of attention can get the bird to stop.
2006-09-13 16:51:31 · answer #4 · answered by searchpup 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Usually when a bird plucks out its feathers its due to some type of trauma it has experienced. If you were to buy the bird you would have to dedicate a lot of time in order for the bird to trust you. Once it gains your trust you have to constantly be there for the bird. By doing so his plucking urges will soon be gone.
2006-09-13 16:57:52 · answer #5 · answered by chris_20sd 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its sad 2 c a bird go from owner 2 owner. macaws r highly intelligent. I believe with a lot of love and attention, toys, variety of food and fresh water, clean environment. I think you might b ok. But you better be ready for a big committment. I have a macaw and i spend alot of time with him.
2006-09-13 17:44:57 · answer #6 · answered by thesunnshynne 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My aunt had a parrot....he plucked out all his beautiful feathers....we didn't do much to stop him. It didn't seem to bother him. So we just let him be. We never neglegted him or hurt him in anyway. If it really concerns you you should ask a vet or a pet shop employee.
2006-09-13 17:04:02 · answer #7 · answered by Sarah 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not very likely.... once a plucker always a plucker.... check some websites and bird mags for info.
2006-09-13 16:50:45 · answer #8 · answered by S G 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yea it will stop after a bit its just getting little mad
2006-09-13 16:54:09 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
LEYLA
2006-09-13 17:59:14 · answer #10 · answered by ♥HELLO♥ 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋