Parrot Plucking Feathers

[wendilla]

My Hannes Mccaw is continually pulling her feathers out over the last few years. She is not bored I am at home all day mostly she is out of her cage for long spells . I have changed her toys. She is very friendly. I could see the point if she was scared. I also have a cockatiel and he is ok. They both talk. A friend said it might be since I lost my Lab 3 years ago and this seemed to have been when it started . Any ideas would be welcome .I did ask this 2 years ago but might come across more replies as to why and what else I can do. I have just bought a thing for her cage that she has to pull the bits to get her treats to occupy her.

[wendilla]

That is her in my Avatar before she started her plucking.

[society]

Maybe she is itchy?

[wendilla]

She is not scratching she is actually pulling her breast feathers out.

[andy-hughes]

Feather plucking is often a sign of stress in cage birds.

Since there are no apparent signs of a cause of stress - although non-apparent causes could still have been / or still are present for her.

Best have a vet look at her to make sure she doesn't have any skin problems which would cause her to pluck.

[society]

She needs therapy. She's self destructing. :)

Does she talk? My mum has one and she talks non-stop, and very sensible things she says.

[Barmaid]

Is it possible she has red mites? Hang a piece of white cloth over the cage - if there are red spots on it in the morning you have red mite. They are impossible to see during the day and only feed at night.

[wendilla]

Yes society she is a marvellous talker.Thet both are. There is not a vet in my area experienced in birds . I have rang a few and they said it could be stress. They do not have any medication for birds. Was told to get a spray if I thought she had insects. The lady I got her from would have helped but she moved to USA.

[wendilla]

I will certainly try that Barmaid. Thanks but as the cockatiel and her are always out together and there cages are side by side I would have thought the cockatiel would have picked them up as well Thanks for that.

[wendilla]

andy-hughs that reply was for you too about the vets .I did not mean to leave you out as I appreciate replies.

[Barmaid]

I think you are right Wendilla - the cockatiel would have them too. But having said that, they might not irritate the cockatiel. With my chickens there is only one who seems to be irritated if we get mites. The bigger two aren't bothered.

[society]

Now that Barmaid has mentioned that, I remember something...

Growing up we or my parents used to mind chicken, ducks, turkeys etc. And the chicken had 'fowl lice' as my mum called it. I remember my grandmother bathing them (the fowls) in dettol water or some other disinfectant and it worked to eliminate the 'lice'.

[wendilla]

Yes Society I did get a spray from shop but made no difference.

[wendilla]

I had her from a baby and she was fine for 2 years then I lost my labrador 3 years ago and that is when it seemed to have started. She seems happy when my kids come with there dogs she just don't shut up when she sees them.

[wildwood]

Parrots plucking themselves is never as easy as one cause. It is obvious she is stressed but as to what causes it...... there could be many things that we don't even think about. Once they start it is very difficult to stop as it becomes a stubborn habit.

Sometimes a cortisone injection helps.

[divegirl]

What area are you in Wendilla? I have access to a huge list of avian vets if you wish to have your Hannes checked out, I would post a link but you have to be a member to view it.

Lisa x

[divegirl]

Also, is it a continuous behaviour or is it worse at certain times of year? You say 'she' is she definitely female? You mentioned a spray, what type is it?
Arghhhh so may questions lol

Lisa x

[divegirl]

Opps I lied, it seems you don't have to be a member to view....It may be worth your while joining and asking for advice on there... or just following the links on plucking for more information.

http://www.parrot-link.co.uk/index.php?board=7.0

Lisa x

[wendilla]

Thanks for replies and Divegirl I have found one on the list in Loughborough which is just under half hours run . Will ring them tomorrow.

[divegirl]

Oh cool... Lets us know how you get on. Hannes are such sweet little birds, I looked at one when I got my Ammie, Dave. Hope all goes well.

Lisa x