Plucking help (no not Jack)

06-28-2007, 06:49 AM

Somebody I've been talking to has a CAG that plucks and she want to know what she can do that may help, and as I do not have a plucker and would be of no help, I knew I could ask you guys. So here's the story~

Quote:

When we first got her, she was in horrible shape and the conditions were terrible.
She was so dusty, she was being fed mainly corn, her water was so slimy, it took me about 5 min to get it out of her dish, heavily plucked but thankfully, no blood, supposedly the man had her for 3 years and never let her out of the cage! (afraid the cats would eat her) also never clipped her wings, the cage she had was so small she could not even fully extend her wings oh and rusty (the very next day after I got her home I went out and bought her a new big cage with a playstand top so she can be out everyday and gave her a bath - she loves them!
You cannot handle her, she is afraid of hands, the guy I got her from wouldn't even come close to her, heck she talked and laughed and sang the whole way home, she knew she was gonn abe ok.
She will take food from you but I haven't puched the issue, I have trimmed her beak, nails, wings (all while toweling her) and she will step up if down on the floor but she gets scared and tries to fly to her cage.
I personally don't care if she's not a lovebug at least she is happy except she started pulling her feathers out again after she almost had them all back in :-(
I'm thinking it's hormonal.

she was on such a poor diet when I got her, that and not ever getting out, it may be mainly emotional but the Profeda worked for awhile, I've also got some Nekton products, calciboost,but I don't like to give a whole lot of this stuff because I think it can do just as much damage as good..........

I've been reading up a lot on plucking but there are so many mixed feelings about everything, and when I find one possibility of help for her CAG, I can't find more descriptive information other than people just talking about what they use/do.

Thanx in advance PC!
-shane

06-28-2007, 08:04 AM

As I don't have any Greys, I'm no expert, so I'm only passing on things that I've read or heard elsewhere....

1) Female CAGs are apparently more inclined to pluck than males.

2) They're easily stressed out, and can develop all sorts of neurotic behaviors.

3) There are many who believe that CAGS are just as high-maintenance in their intellectual and emotional needs--and therefore just as unsuitable as pets for MOST people--as U2s and M2s.

Perhaps, after she's settled in and gets used to a good diet, her plucking will stop. Or maybe not. I know some excellent bird "parronts" whose female CAGs still pluck.

I'm guessing you'll get better advice from people who actually live with the birds on a day-to-day basis.

06-28-2007, 08:08 AM

I think she's had her for a while now (I could be wrong).

I told her about the sockbuddy as I've heard good things about that.
Has any tried giving red palm oil? I heard that has helped many.
I heard good things about adding aloe vera to their misting water, but someone recently said that its unsafe, because they breath it in??

What else is there?

What are some things she could do that may help?

06-28-2007, 08:25 AM

Shane, if this was my bird, I would first start off with an appointment with a board certified avian vet. Sounds like this bird lived in some pretty crummy conditions for too many years. I'm sure if the water was slimy, the cage had to have been pretty bad too. I would run a profile and gram stains. Pretty good bet this bird has a bacterial and/or yeast infection to start. Nasty yeast infections itch and can cause picking, scratching and plucking. Not saying this is why the bird is plucking, could be, but regardless these infections need to be treated. I would also check for metal poisoning not know what kind of cage or toys this bird has come into contact with. That is just where I would start.

Grey's are too damn intelligent to live in the described conditions. Shame, shame, shame and unfortunately way too common as Irish described same as the U2's and M2's. That's my personal opinion from what I hear, read and see. The poor thing sound like it has developed some mental issues. Reminds me a lot of my Rocky. Anyway, that will take a lot of time, devotion and consistent dedication to work through. No quick fix there, but sounds like it could be a good possibility with the new owner from what you have described.

06-28-2007, 09:00 AM

I definitely agree with Lara. Plucking can often be caused by a medical problem, and it's best to be able to rule that out, or act accordingly. It does sound like this bird is going to have some health issues that can hopefully be resolved.

The person doesn't mention bathing her. I would do baths at least 3 times a week. Itchy feathers cause irritation, which can lead to plucking. Regular bathing/misting may also help.

What is she feeding the bird now? (Hasn't corn been linked to feather picking behaviors??) A better diet may also curb the plucking.

I think all of these things should be done first- vet, bathing, better diet (obviously), before any of the other remedies are tried.

06-28-2007, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by glider

Has any tried giving red palm oil? I heard that has helped many.

Our new vet gave us a RX of red palm oil (although you can buy it OTC)...after about 10 days of using it, I noticed a difference in how Harrison's tail looked. It is this striking, bright red. I don't know if it would help with the plucking, but the look of the feathers are certainly improved. I've also noticed a little bit less dust when I hug her with a black shirt. Before, she'd leave white all over my black shirts...it's not as bad now. Maybe a little longer being on it will eliminate it?? Hope so!!