We have a plucking problem, took the bird to the vet. The vet says taking a nest away can be helpful and decrease sexual frustration. It just seems so mean, they sleep in there and guard it faithfully. Does anyone have experience with this or know where I can get more information?
Thank You!
2007-02-06 17:15:01 · 6 answers · asked by RedPower Woman 6 in Pets ➔ Birds
I have two peach faced lovebirds about 2-3 years old.
Also, I am working with my vet on medical reasons already. I am also working with my vet and have done research on behavioral plucking and have taken numerous steps to help with the plucking.
I am more concerned right now with the nest issue as the plucking one is being delt with.
They do not try to breed in the nest that I have noticed, just sleep there mostly and hide there when they are scared.
2007-02-07 13:01:51 · update #1
i dont feel you should do that.. but it depends on you, what and how much problem you are facing
2007-02-06 17:40:13 · answer #1 · answered by richard 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If they are using the nest/hut/box to only sleep in, taking it away wont change the plucking issue. If the bird is breeding in there I would take it away. Plucking is mostly associated with bordem, you need to give more toys, bath or allow the bird to bath daily. This gives the birds something else to do other than plucking. If in breeding mode it will be the male plucking the females head. If from bordem the plucking will start by chewed wing feather etc or the bird removing breast feathers.
Cage aggression is more a reason to take a nest away. If a cockateil, giving a nest is not a good idea, this encourages breeding behaviour.
Please say what type of bird this is and how many in the same cage.
2007-02-07 16:43:08 · answer #2 · answered by Angie C 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Generally I would hope that the vet knows what he/she is talking about. Out of experience i know that it is not always sexual frustration that leads to a plucking problem some parrots pluck purely out of boredom. There is also certain sicknesses that can cause feathers to fall out and could give the idea of plucking.
I have had birds that had no nest and still laid eggs in the bottom of the cage (i rapidly provided a nest when this happened) so i do not know of taking away the nest will do any in decreasing sexual frustration.
you do not mention what kind of birds you have but i would be hard pressed to remove a nest from birds like lovebird who like sleeping in their nests.
Maybe give them an calcium boost and see if it helps.
2007-02-07 04:27:47 · answer #3 · answered by pete 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you are trying to breed the birds, take the nest away. Nests are used for egg laying and chick raising.
2007-02-07 19:10:13 · answer #4 · answered by Christie D 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you go to www.kingscages.com they have a product called "pluck no more" which i have heard is amazing, they have it at other stores as well. i think it medicates the bird though, so if you are against that don't get but i heard is safe for them and works wonders.
2007-02-07 08:32:50 · answer #5 · answered by lola7737 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Birds are very territorial when they are in the nesting mode. I am not sure what breed of bird you have, but the website www.upatsix.com has all kinds of bird info.
2007-02-07 02:04:14 · answer #6 · answered by lucettel 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋