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| Hello, I have recently (2 months ago) adopted two umbrella cockatoos. Hope has the most issues. She is a feather plucker and the blood tests all came back negative and this is a behavior issue. I have tried 5 different collars including the hard plastic screw on one and my avian vet even created one. Problem is Hope just finds another spot to pluck. I am not sure of her age, I would say somewhere around 8 or 9 years old. Hope has a large 1 inch circular open wound under one of her wings. She was put on Batryl and that did not help. She continues to pick at that area. My vet wants to put her on Proazc and I want to try everything else before putting a cockatoo on Prozac. So far (aside from collars) we are trying Avatar Anti-Plucking powder on her food everyday, and a very light mist of 100% aloe vera oil. Angle is the other cockatoo and she is so small, but does have a band and we know she is 5 years old. My vet said she has stunted growth because she was left in a cage to small for her requirements. She has no idea what wings are and barely has any feathers. We have so far gotten her to walk somewhat steadily, and are working with her on the wings. She completely freaks out when she sees her wings. She is covered in a small coat of down feathers and has very tethered wing feathers. She has about 4 wing feathers on each side. She has never plucked or pulled any of her down or feathers. My vet seems to think she was abused and someone pulled out her feathers. They are both the sweetest (fearful) cockatoos. I really would appreciate any and all information or ideas on how to help with the regrowth of feathers and stopping of picking and plucking. Thank You.
Rose Pedal
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| Hello,I am so sorry . I have some experience in this,I have a love bird that does the same thing.I know that Cockatoo's require a lot of attention.It is so habbit forming just like bitting finger nails.I see that you have tried all options and the only thing I can tell you is to give them a lot of love and attention and discourage them to pluck by keeping them occupied.I have read on weaping willow and there is a natural asprin ingrediant in it to reduce feather plucking.Maybe this will work for you. well good luck to you!!!!
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| Why are you so opposed to trying the Prozac? I come from a strong family history of depression, and resisted an SSRI for myself...when I finally looked at it more, and took it, I was ashamed that I had kept myself in such a bad place mentally due to prejudice against medication. I am lucky that I do not need to be on it often, but when I need it, I need it....it helps to thnk of using an SSRI more as Insulin...it helps regulate a body chemical that is just a bit out of whack. You can try the medication, and stop it if it does not help your birds at all...but if it could help, and you chose to let them suffer...how would you feel then?
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| I've been on Prozac and other antidepressants myself and had the same deal. I wish I was on it during high school years long ago. I'm not on Effexor. I'm not an expert on antidepressants for animals but if your avian vet recommends it I would definitely try it. I think it would help. Some people and animals have chemical imbalances and need those antidepressants to elevate their seratonin. I'll be on antidepressants for life. Believe me I hate being on pills but I've tried going on nothing and I go right back to being extremely depressed. I would abused when I was younger and still have flashbacks. I can relate to a lot of the horror stories these Umbrellas endured with abusive owners.
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Hi I dont know if this will help but avian fashions has a sweater for pluckers it fastens on the back with velcro and has a bunch of strands in the front for the bird to play with this item looks like it would only help for chest pluckers good luck i will keep you in my prayers 
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Hi, have you tried organics and holistic approaches. Cockatoos are very needy beings,mentally. I know you know this.I practice The Avian Organics/Holistic Approach to their life for over 30 years and going. If you'd like to try this rout please feel free to contact me. I have a lot of experience in this area.
Kris
seemekris@gmail.com
 
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