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| I have a neighbor that has a 2 year old African grey that is a feather picker. She said she got the bird from a show when it was a young baby around 6 weeks old and hand fed it herself. I don't know what her experience is with hand feeding. I am aware that an improperly weaned Grey can have problems for years or even a life time. Can someone that knows more than me about this please explain any connection there may be between the two with Greys in particular? Also, is there anything that can be done?
Greg
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When did it begin plcking. Where is it picking? Has the bird been seen by a vet - checked for Giardia and calcium levels? Any major changes in the family lifestyle prior to onset of the picking? Is the bird in the same room as the everyone else with TV on late into the evening? Check cage placement - is it in a high traffic area causing it to be on the alert at all times? Are their other pets nearby? Is primary caregiver anxious? Is bird OVER supplemented? Adequate lighting?
Misting the birds daily can help encourage proper preening and relive dry skin. Examine diet.....provide fresh fruits and veggies in interesting shapes and be sure to allow adequate time for sleeping.
Here is a great general article on feather picking and also talks about Greys.
http://www.parrothouse.com/pamelaclark/featherpluck.html
This questionnaire can get you thinking as you answer it and is helpful to discuss with an avian vet. http://www.amcny.org/asp/FeatherPicking/FeatherPicking.asp
This is such a frustrating problem when it happens! I adopted a U2 years ago that had become a plucker and screamer.....while the plucking issue has improved the screaming is still present! There was alot going on in the owners family and the breeder took the bird back from them at age 9 to rehome it.....we have had him for about 7 years. He has gone from 20% feathered to 85% feathered - but still chews and strips many feathers.
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