I am travelling every 3 months from Indonesia where I live presently to South Africa, I stay for 2 to 3 months away and can that be the cause of my cockatoo pulling her feathers out? my husband work during the day and can only give her attention during evenings.
2006-11-24 10:56:10 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pets ➔ Birds
Absolutely, this could be the cause. It's a good start that you're noticing it and trying to figure out what the problem is.
Since your travelling probably isn't something you can not do, my suggestion would be to make sure that the quality of time you do spend with her is good, and that your husband knows exactly what you expect from him in the line of giving her attention while you're away.
Make sure that she has plenty of toys, but for now, I would probably stay away from "preening toys" -- the type that allow for her to pull and preen on rope and things like that. Maybe try some new puzzle toys, like for instance, my macaws love the acrylic toys with something in the middle that they have to try to get out. Rio's also got a big heavy duty whiffle ball type ball with a few balls in the center of it. It's a foot toy, and it gives him something to do to get it out.
My opinion, without knowing the bird or knowing all the details is that she's suffering from separation anxiety. I'm assuming that you are the one she's bonded to, and when you're gone, she gets really upset by it.
Here's an idea...maybe videotape yourself talking and playing with her. Have hubby pop that in the VCR every morning before he walks out the door and allow her to watch that (at a normal sound decibal). See if that helps.
Is she getting baths regularly? If not, I'd try to give her at least one a week.
How long has the feather plucking been happening? Have you taken her to the vet to rule out any possible health problems that could be the root cause of the plucking and self mutilation?
I have literally 30 books right here at my disposal. If you need me to, I'll scan and send some chapters regarding plucking...
Good luck!
ADDED AFTER READING OTHERS VIEWS:
Don't just get rid of your baby, PLEASE! These people who are telling you to just sell her are crazy. They're probably the same ones who will tell you that if you and your husband have a minor disagreement you should get rid of him too. This can be fixed. Give me or others who care an opportunity to help!
2006-11-24 11:22:34 · answer #1 · answered by sdkramer76 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
YES!!!! Cockatoos are "velcro" birds and get very attached to the owners. They need loads of attention and social interaction. If the traveling is going to continue you might consider adding another bird to her "flock".
2006-11-24 19:04:51 · answer #2 · answered by Shalvia 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I own a parrots, and they are a perpetual toddler in behavior and mentality. Also they are extreme creatures of habit.
Your birds is experiencing separation anxiety period.
Since some can live upwards of 80 years, it really isn't fair or healthy for the bird to live like that.
2006-11-24 19:44:25 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes.
2006-11-24 18:59:18 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, either stop traveling, or sell the bird, it is horrible what people do to their feathered,,, so called "FRIENDS"
2006-11-24 19:36:47 · answer #5 · answered by lovebird mania 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no doubt about that. awww =( she misses you!
my bird used to be like that tooo.
2006-11-24 19:33:21 · answer #6 · answered by blah blah 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sdkramer7 is rught on. Please listen to her.
2006-11-24 19:46:54 · answer #7 · answered by Lynn D 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋