It seems to have scratched all the feathers off the back/neck area. Its really red and bleading. The bird is about 8 years old and has never had a problem before. It is always in its cage, when it goes outside it stays in the cage. What is this? The pet store said it was probably stress and to get it new toys and such. I say bull.....?
2006-12-19 13:39:13 · 7 answers · asked by steve a 1 in Pets ➔ Birds
First thing that comes to mind, is boredom and/or feather mites. I'm leaning towards boredom, since you mention he's in his cage all the time. Allow him to have some time outside of the cage, because most cages for parakeets aren't nearly big enough, to let the bird spread his wings and fly around a little bit.
2006-12-19 13:42:35 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The pet store is probably right. I would start with rearranging the cage and new, exciting toys for the parakeet to play with, along with time outside of the cage, even if it is just on top if you cannot hold it. Birds that are bored will often pick out all their feathers or even go so far as to whats called self-mutilation. If the behavior continues I would get him/her to the vet to make sure its not a medical problem.
2006-12-19 21:47:59 · answer #2 · answered by LYNN W 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do you have other birds? It could be from them-
Otherwise your pet store is probably right, esp in the fact that it never comes out of the cage. The stress and boredom could have gotten too much for it.
2006-12-19 22:03:51 · answer #3 · answered by D 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Please take your bird to an avian certified vet immediately. (find one near you here: www.aav.org/vet-lookup ) you definately should have taken him earlier because this sounds very serious. it may be a behavior problem-he's bored! so make sure he has plenty of toys to play with. make sure that he's on a good diet of pellets, fruits and veggies. give him showers and lots of love and attention. also make sure that he has the proper perches-at least one of the following: cotton rope, natural perches (like manzanita) and dowels (but not too many) leave soft music on for him. this could also be zinc poisoning, which you need to see an avian certified vet immediately. please do some more research on bird keeping because this is pretty serious and you should not have let it gone this far before getting help. you can find more information in BIRD TALK, a great magazine about pet birds and their care. they have a lot of tips on things like this. please take your bird to a vet asap and do your research about real bird keeping!! hope this helps and good luck!
2006-12-19 22:51:59 · answer #4 · answered by p_snickerdoodle@sbcglobal.net 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be Mites as mentioned. They sell a little round can thing you hang on the outside of the cage take care of mites. That all I can think of off hand, make sure the cage is clean.
2006-12-19 21:48:03 · answer #5 · answered by Snaglefritz 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I say you should take it to a vet. It may be stress, but only your vet can tell you for sure.
Do NOT buy any over the counter mite remedies. They tend to hurt more than help.
If you need a vet, you can find one at http://aav.org/vet-lookup
2006-12-19 21:59:26 · answer #6 · answered by CrazyBirdMom 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
get him a buddy mabey even a mirror. keep the radio turned on low for him! i hope he turns out allright!
2006-12-19 22:12:14 · answer #7 · answered by horse-lover101 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋