Hi,

Has anyone ever used a Sock Buddy for a feather plucking bird? Will you recommend it to anybody?

Isn't a sock too hot for a bird in the summer time?

Your advise will be appreciated.

Doret

Doret, I have never used them, but have seen so many pictures of birds with them on. I've read that the bird is quite comfortable in them. I wouldn't use it for slight plucking, but if the bird was naked to the skin or mutilating, I would consider it.

I don't think it would be any different than if they had their feathers there for insulation. In the summer time you could use a very light sock and for winter time you would probably want to use a warmer sock.

My neighbor used one on her B&G. He found a way to take it off, but then, that was on a Macaw. A Eclectus may tolerate it. I have heard they work wonders on some birds...guess it all depends on the bird. Have you tried red palm oil?

I haven't tried the red palm oil as it isn't available locally so I have to import it from SA. Didn't get around to ask the guy what the prices are.

I am going to do it right now.

Lila has just a bit of grey down left on her breast.

Doret

The way I look at it is...anything is worth a try.

I bought a male M2 that was plucked bald on his chest.

I started him on Nekton-Bio vitamins and kept him on it until he molted. Actually I doubled them to induce a molt. His plumage came in beautifully so I took him off the bio and put him on regular Nekton-S. Within a week or so he started plucking again.

Went back to the Nekton-Bio and ba da bing, he stopped plucking. This time I kept him on the Bio (regular dose) until he molted again. Finished the Bio i had left then went to S.

Never plucked again.

I've had several clients use the Nekton Bio with great success. This may or may not work for you but it's worth a shot. Plenty of sites selling the Nekton-Bio. I just bought some for a friend and paid about $25 for a 150 gram bottle. Expensive as vitamins go but worth every penny.

I'm a huge believer in the quality of Nekton Vitamins and will always use them. Nekton-S for regular use and Bio should I ever have to deal with plucking again.

They (Nekton) also have vitamins specific to yellow and/or red birds, seed eaters, insect eaters and a few others. I've only used the S and the Bio and stand behind their product.

I've also used their reptile vitamins with...duh...reps/herps I've owned. In fact if anyone would like to try them I've got some that I no longer need.

Just something else to consider.

My AV carries the Nekton products in her office. She speaks very highly of them.

There have been several occasions where I've seen females especially wearing them. The problem comes from the way eclectus feathers lay. They are very flat and smooth and usually the socks irritate them, causing the bird to actually get even more stressed. I wouldn't worry about it. Lucy plucked and has never had to have anything special. If you are truley concerned with her plucking, it may be best to see a vet.

Lila plucked everything that had been left on her breast on Saturday when I came home there was only the skin left. So I decide either I try the sock buddy or she might start mutalating her skin next. She even pluck the feathers on her legs and under her wings.

We don't have avian vets in our country. If we had I would have visited them ages ago when the problem started.

Doret

what are you feeling her? How old is she? Can you consult her breeder?