I hope this part of the forum can shed light on the topic!
![Happy :)](./images/smilies/1.gif)
Best Wishes,
![Wink :wink:](./images/smilies/icon_wink.gif)
IMRAN-C
Moderator: Mods
ringneck wrote:GeveZe,
Don't panic or make a big deal about it. Believe me, I feel your frustration. Sometimes I literally just have to get up and get out of the room. I refuse to let Osiris know that it bugs me
. I kind of act like a bird and just go about my business. You are doing a great job with your little fella BTW. I love the photos and your little guy is so cute!
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BTW, everything looks the same so far.So, from the photo it seems you're in great shape.
Best Wishes,![]()
IMRAN-C
Yes, it had two layers. One disk over another. Not sewed, just placed on top of each other. I took a tea saucer and used that as my template. Perhaps something smaller in your case, such as a larger cup? Then I cut a hole inside the middle about the size of a quarter, but in your case, try a nickel? Make sure it can just barely go over his head if you try it.So it is just felt?
The first collar did fall down. It looked like Osiris was wearing a dress. Ha ha ha ha.But it still stands out on its own?
I totally understand. You know your vet and you have to do what's right for you and your bird. The good thing is that your bird has a clean bill of health. Does this mean it's time to consult someone who specializes in bird behavior, or let your bird continue the plucking? This I am afraid I can't answer for you because it is your choice. You know your bird and you have to do what's right for the both of you.The vet would rather I not use a collar because there is no (known) medical condition so she figures it is anxiety.
Mine are.Are these birds foraging?
Yes, it's been going on for years now. I think I've reached the point where I've accepted he might never stop. But that doesn't stop me from trying!ringneck wrote:Melika,
I did not know Hane plucked. I'm really sorry about that!This disease is so frustrating. I want to get to the bottom of this and find a solution, for Osiris, for me, and for all other bird owners struggling with this.
The good thing is that it's never too late to start the process of fixing this. You got us and we got you--together all of us can make things happen.![]()
Thank you for being here for me, my birds, and all the wonderful post you do on the forum!
Best Wishes,
IMRAN-C
Generally, if something yucky is on the feathers, a bird will actually try to remove the feathers if it can't be preened off. Some birds have plucked because humans with greasy hands pet them, tobacco residue, etc. So using bitter apple or similar sprays is not recommended.Donovan wrote:Find out if bitter apple spray is safe for birds..
If it is, try putting some of it in the plucking area.. make them taste awful.. that might discourage him
I had to refrain from replying for a bit, as I was a little offended by the question, sad to say. I'm sorry. The answer is no, it isn't something from my hands. And since I myself am allergic to scents, etc., it also isn't a scent in the environment. I wish it were something so simple. In addition, the areas where he plucks are not touched as he only ever allows petting on the head anyway.Donovan wrote:Melika do you handle your bird?
Could something on your hands be causing it? Lotion, the soap you use, anything.
Or maybe he just likes doing it. It's his style. Actually it's just a habit at this point and since he enjoys his habit there's no motivation for him to want to stop doing it.
Like, smoking. If people didn't know it was bad for them they wouldn't try to stop because otherwise they enjoy it.
Hi Everyoneringneck wrote:Here is some background information on Osiris. When I got him, he was roughly two months old. The lady who hand fed him kept him isolated from the other Alexandrines. I don't know why she did this; however, I think this did more harm than good.
Personally, I like to keep all baby birds together so they can grow together and know that they are birds. I think many people honestly believe that isolating the chick makes a "better" pet. Anyway, that was the first fault.
Secondly, Osiris was weaned really early. I don't know how he was weaned so early but it shocked me. He was weaned around 8 or 9 weeks. The babies that I wean usually start around 10-13 weeks old. I always let the babies set the pace, personally, I don't think this was the case with him.
What was the result of this early weaning? He begged for food constantly for almost six months. In fact, every time he saw me he would bob his head and beg for food. Of course, I complied to his begging as I hoped it would reduce his stress. That being said, I don't think I've EVER had a baby parrot that cried so much. Honestly, I thought his crying would continue forever. It was constant and relentless. I definitely found this odd. Also, he was so clingy and calm in my presence.
The last thing was that his wings were clipped before he ever learned to fly. He was clipped at around 8 weeks old. :/ I always let my babies fly for two or three weeks before I clip. It's such an important aspect of their development. Now, thankfully his wings are growing out and I'm going to help him learn this.