Feathers Feathers Feathers!!!

[NickC]

Hi guys. Can someone please help, my parrot Nando's looks like a down pillow. He has chewed his feathers in such a way that they have all turned to down. Only his head and flight feathers are still ok. I have taken him to the Vet but he supplied vitamins and suggested changing toys in the cage. I have also varied his diet with fresh veg, fruit and seed. He is regularly out of his cage and receives tons of attention. We also put him in a tree outside so that he can climb and play. He doesn't seem stressed but the feather issue has got me worried.
Any and all assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Nick

[shell2268]

Hi Nick how long have you had Nando for?, as i have recently got a 2 year old cag called Frankie and his feathers are a bit like that. I have had him for nearly a month now and since giving him calcuim 3 times a week and daily essentials 3 every day his feathers are starting to come back as good as new. I also give him fresh fruit and veg every day and he is on a cag seed diet as he was on a seed diet before with alot of sunflower seed which isnt to good for them. Hope this helps and you see Nandos new feathers soon.

[NickC]

Thanks Shell(with lots of numbers)
I have had Nandos since November 2006. Back then he was looking great but only during the last Two months or so did he start looking like a down pillow. This past weekend I went to my local pet store and got some Palm oil and Calcium which I give him everyday. I have also cut back on his seed and tend to provide more fresh veg and fruit. Also at night when we have dinner, I serve some veg for him / her (still don't know sex) as well. Time will tell I suppose and they say patience is a virture. not that I have any (lol).
But thanks for the reply and I will keep you posted as to progress.
Nick

[MellyD]

Hi Nick,

I had two pluckers, both have now stopped, how often do you spray your bird and when?
also try and keep the cage etc away from any chemical use including cleaning products and be careful what is on your hands when you handle him/her. the diet is good but try to add some mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs and rice.

Also try and get hold of some cod liver oil, most pet shops stock it.

one last thing, do you know what type of tree it is that he/she is climbing?

Have a look on the national parrot sanctuary (UK) website for list of what can be toxic to birds, they've got loads of stuff on there.

Good luck. KEEP US INFORMED.

MEL.

[linzy]

spraying your bird is also called misting. 

mist your bird, if yhuu can, everymorning, or every other dai.
In the morning or early afternoon, to give time for preening, and so your bird doesn't sleep wet.
DO NOT BLOWDRY! it beats the purpouse of misting as it would dry the skin out again.
dont spray into the nares (nostrils)

hope this helps!! 


Linzy   

[seaworker]

Just a thought Nick, but have you changed anything in his immediate enviroment? I only ask because we bought a new fridge a while ago, and it really freaked out our cag (Charlie) He started doing the same thing till we moved the fridge to another area.
Russ.

[linzy]

yea, sum greys r supposed 2 b so sensitive 2 change that they even freak out over like a cup of coffee sittin sumwhre it doesnt usualli sit or a change in clothes or make-up or hair - really anything lolz


Linzy 

[Sally-Ann]

Dino hates me naked !!!!!! or wearing bright colours he growls at me.

We have had extreme temeratures here and hot Sirroco winds.. this week he has been plucking. Even when he was stressed out when he arrived and had that awfull cold he never plucked but he started to do it two days ago I am thinking it is the heat because nothing else has changed.

I mist him daily and give him lots of toys and try to encourange him to try different foods but he is not happy at the moment at all. 

[ghandikaboo]

My daughter brought  her dog small puppy for a visit and that was the first time I heard GHandi growl.  That was really something.  I have noticed that Ghandi doesn't like change either.  I thought it was just my own hypersensitive bird and was blaiming myself for not handling him more and introducing more stuff when he was a wee one.  So its good to know they are sensitive to change.  Ghandi will either go into a corner on top of his or in his cage and tremble.  If he is on top of the cage and some new peice of furniture comes into the room or something else he doesn't recognize he will take flight squawking  to land on the nearest piece of floor.  I have learned to move him out of the room to make any changes.  But as you say a new face or a different cup for coffee.  Naked doesn't seem to phase him, it does me though lol.  KJ