behavior plucking
Moderator: Mods
-
Guest
behavior plucking
I have an IRN that plucks out all his chest feathers. Can you help me with this?
Feather Plucking
Feather plucking is a very, “Complex issue” and some cures work while others do not. I will give you some advice; however, I am not a veterinarian and the bird should be seen by a certified avian vet.
Feather plucking can be caused for various reasons. Some parrots, such as Greys, are prone to plucking. Ringnecks on the other hand rarely reside in this category, but like most parrots, there are always exceptions. Ringnecks may pluck for bacterial or virus infections which may be caused by infections or diseases. If your Ringneck is plagued by any of these issues, medical attention is the remedy and only cure. Other plucking issues can be caused by parasites or chemicals inside the air.
Ringnecks can pluck due to chemicals in the air. Air scented sprays, cleaning chemicals, and smoke (from cigarettes) can cause the skin of the Ringneck to become irritated and will cause the bird to pick at its feathers trying to satisfy the irritation. How can you fix this problem? If you smoke, smoke outside with the door closed. For cleaning, use other alternatives such as steam or water mixed with a small amount of bleach. Just avoid using any Aerosol based chemicals and this should help dramatically.
Another feather plucking problem is caused by parasites. If your Ringneck is infected with lice or mites, purchase a spray that will rid these pesky little suckers. Go to your local pet shop and seek advice before you purchase the spray you desire. Problems with parasites are usually caused by interaction with wild birds or a dirty cage. If the cage is dirty, wash it with bleach and water and let it dry. Do not place the bird inside the cage until the cage is dry and use about a cap full of bleach per half gallon. Make sure you wash and cleanse all play stands and vacuum the carpet around the cage. This will dramatically reduce the infection of parasites.
The more serious causes of feather plucking can be caused by psychological distress, nervousness, or anxiety. I have seen some parrots eat at their own flesh and completely remove almost all feathers. The only remedy for this cure is through metal rehabilitation. This branch of plucking is always being modified for what worked and what did not work. If you know your IRN’s past try to look into it. Parrots, which have been handfed, and confined to a cage are usually the victim. It is believed that parrots which have been imprinted on humans then left alone with no metal stimulation go crazy literally. These birds just don’t know how to cope with being left alone and therefore pluck. As stated above, this branch is very complex and I would do more research and talk to experts on this subject. I have seen some remarkable rehabilitation of parrots that are puckers.
I know this explanation is brief but please do more research on this subject. No parrot is alike or has the same past. To start, take your Ringneck to vet and let him/her examine him. If the plucking is caused by psychological distress join groups and educate yourself as much as possible. Hope this helps and good luck with your fight on this on going epidemic!
Please keep us updated! 
Best wishes,
I.C.
Feather plucking can be caused for various reasons. Some parrots, such as Greys, are prone to plucking. Ringnecks on the other hand rarely reside in this category, but like most parrots, there are always exceptions. Ringnecks may pluck for bacterial or virus infections which may be caused by infections or diseases. If your Ringneck is plagued by any of these issues, medical attention is the remedy and only cure. Other plucking issues can be caused by parasites or chemicals inside the air.
Ringnecks can pluck due to chemicals in the air. Air scented sprays, cleaning chemicals, and smoke (from cigarettes) can cause the skin of the Ringneck to become irritated and will cause the bird to pick at its feathers trying to satisfy the irritation. How can you fix this problem? If you smoke, smoke outside with the door closed. For cleaning, use other alternatives such as steam or water mixed with a small amount of bleach. Just avoid using any Aerosol based chemicals and this should help dramatically.
Another feather plucking problem is caused by parasites. If your Ringneck is infected with lice or mites, purchase a spray that will rid these pesky little suckers. Go to your local pet shop and seek advice before you purchase the spray you desire. Problems with parasites are usually caused by interaction with wild birds or a dirty cage. If the cage is dirty, wash it with bleach and water and let it dry. Do not place the bird inside the cage until the cage is dry and use about a cap full of bleach per half gallon. Make sure you wash and cleanse all play stands and vacuum the carpet around the cage. This will dramatically reduce the infection of parasites.
The more serious causes of feather plucking can be caused by psychological distress, nervousness, or anxiety. I have seen some parrots eat at their own flesh and completely remove almost all feathers. The only remedy for this cure is through metal rehabilitation. This branch of plucking is always being modified for what worked and what did not work. If you know your IRN’s past try to look into it. Parrots, which have been handfed, and confined to a cage are usually the victim. It is believed that parrots which have been imprinted on humans then left alone with no metal stimulation go crazy literally. These birds just don’t know how to cope with being left alone and therefore pluck. As stated above, this branch is very complex and I would do more research and talk to experts on this subject. I have seen some remarkable rehabilitation of parrots that are puckers.
I know this explanation is brief but please do more research on this subject. No parrot is alike or has the same past. To start, take your Ringneck to vet and let him/her examine him. If the plucking is caused by psychological distress join groups and educate yourself as much as possible. Hope this helps and good luck with your fight on this on going epidemic!
Please keep us updated!
Best wishes,
I.C.
