Help! Chewing Tail Feathers?!

Recently I've noticed that my Congo African Grey has started chewing on her tail feathers.

At first they just looked a bit raggedy but then they started to disappear.
Yesterday, she had about 4 or 5 and then, when I came home today, she had NONE!
I also found a few grey feathers in the bottom of her cage and they'd all been shredded as if she were playing with them.
See pics below:





She has quite an array of toys in her cage (wooden blocks, Popsicle sticks, rope, beads, bells, paper ribbons, etc.) but I never see her touch any of them.

I'm also currently unemployed so I'm spending quite a lot of time with her every day.
I left for a while today only to attend a funeral.
I'm constantly talking at her, teaching her new songs to whistle, things of that nature.
The only time she's not with me is when I put her back on (not in) her cage to watch other birds out the window and soak up her full-spectrum lighting lamp.

Her diet consists of mixed vegetables and eggs daily and a pellet diet of Roudybush Daily Maintenance Diet.

I did *a lot* of research on caring for Greys before deciding her adopt her and I feel like a *COMPLETE* failure right now.
I know my tears wont fix anything, but I'm so fearful of her plucking habitually despite all of the effort I'm putting into helping her stay stimulated.

Please, please provide any advice that you can!

Very sorry to hear that your baby is chewing /plucking her tail feathers!

Also sorry to hear that you are unemployed at the moment. I am sorry, but I am going to ask that you spend some money that I understand is very limited at this time.

You need to get your sweetheart to an Avian Vet to have them take a sample of the area (the rump) when this is happening! There is a possibility that it could be a medical issue and timing is very important for the test to be of any value. The Test: Skin sample is taken from the area of irritation and a separate location. They are than compared. If you wait, the test will not be conclusive! So, first thing Monday! Call early and tell them you are on your way!!!

Once again, very sorry about the timing.

By the way, my DYH Amazon is a member of the Bunny Butt Society. So, I understand what you are facing!

Its not you! It can happen! FYI: Other than you being home all day, what else may have changed??? Look and consider everything!

I do absolutely plan to get her to an Avian Vet first thing on Monday. I hope that they can deduce something quickly so that we might be able to find a solution. Until then, I've discovered that she loves tearing up toilet paper. I'm going to take out all of the toys that she doesn't seem to play with and string toilet paper through the bars instead. At least maybe then she'll chew on something else for a while!

I've been trying to think of things that have changed. I recently moved to a new state, hence the unemployment, but she seemed to settle in just fine. I only noticed her starting to chew within the past few days and I can't think of anything different. I don't wear different clothes, she stays in the same room, there are no new animals around, no new furniture...

NandaTheFae said:

I do absolutely plan to get her to an Avian Vet first thing on Monday. I hope that they can deduce something quickly so that we might be able to find a solution. Until then, I've discovered that she loves tearing up toilet paper. I'm going to take out all of the toys that she doesn't seem to play with and string toilet paper through the bars instead. At least maybe then she'll chew on something else for a while!

I've been trying to think of things that have changed. I recently moved to a new state, hence the unemployment, but she seemed to settle in just fine. I only noticed her starting to chew within the past few days and I can't think of anything different. I don't wear different clothes, she stays in the same room, there are no new animals around, no new furniture...

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Great regarding the AV visit! Take a copy of this Thread so that the AV knows what test I'm referring too. No, I cannot remember its name, sorry!

Do you have 'Adding Machine' paper roll(s)? They work also!
At this point, leave everything in place that has been there since the move! Especially anything that was in the cage before the move. Duplication prior to the move would be the best choice (as close as possible).

If you are 'inside your head' stressing-out regarding the move and/or your current employment - STOP!!! Gray's are really good at picking that stuff-up! Relax! Breath deeply and slowly! Get your head-on straight! This to Shall Pass, etc, etc, etc...

Great regarding the AV visit! Take a copy of this Thread so that the AV knows what test I'm referring too. No, I cannot remember its name, sorry!

Do you have 'Adding Machine' paper roll(s)? They work also!
At this point, leave everything in place that has been there since the more! Especially anything that was in the cage before the move. Duplication prior to the move would be the best choice (as close as possible).

If you are 'inside your head' stressing-out regarding the move and/or your current employment - STOP!!! Gray's are really good at picking that stuff-up! Relax! Breath deeply and slowly! Get your head-on straight! This to Shall Pass, etc, etc, etc...[/QUOTE]

Okay, I will do that for sure!

I have heard of that. I'll go pick her some up tomorrow and leave her cage as-is as you suggested. Thank you so much for the advice!

When it comes to stuff like this ,'Boats advice is invaluable. Snappy , smart alec responses - I'm your man. Solid advice about possible medical or behavioural issue, "Boats is a good starting point. Remember - nothing is out of the possible for the Fae.

wrench13 said:

When it comes to stuff like this ,'Boats advice is invaluable. Snappy , smart alec responses - I'm your man. Solid advice about possible medical or behavioural issue, "Boats is a good starting point. Remember - nothing is out of the possible for the Fae.

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Wrench! Yaaaa, but its your Humor that aids in keeping a smile on my face! And, that is much appreciated, my friend! And, I am not alone in that knowledge!

Perjo doesn't pluck, and hopefull never will but when she does get a hold of a feather she does like to chew it.

Update: The vet seemed confident that the odds of her barbering being due to a physical problem are slim. She's a good weight and looks healthy otherwise. She recommended getting a humidifier and mentioned a spray they use to have with aloe Vera in it that was discontinued. We found another spray that sounds similar, Avivera Aloe Vera spray, does anyone have any experience using this? She also recommended giving her doses of Benadryl to help with any itching or discomfort that may be causing her to chew her feathers off. She confirmed that she isn't plucking the entire feathers out, just breaking them off.

Thanks, for the update!

I am guessing that your Vet is an Avian Vet, correct? And, therefore, with the examination of your Parrot's Rump found feathers that are still in place with the upper part having been barbered off, correct?

All that being true, it appropriate to assume that is behavior or a reaction to her surroundings.

My reasoning for stressing the issue regarding Avian Vet is that the test is very new. Papers only presented two years ago in January with follow-ups this last January 2016. Based on that, a Avian Qualified Vet may not have heard of the test. I will make it a point to get you the name of the test.

Okay, Tail Feathers: Your Parrot is going to be a bunny butt for up to two years, possible longer, since new feathers will not set into place until they would normally be replaced. I do not recommend forced replacement of feathers unless there is a clear health reasons for doing so.

Thank-you, for taking your baby to the Vet.

NandaTheFae said:

Update: The vet seemed confident that the odds of her barbering being due to a physical problem are slim. She's a good weight and looks healthy otherwise. She recommended getting a humidifier and mentioned a spray they use to have with aloe Vera in it that was discontinued. We found another spray that sounds similar, Avivera Aloe Vera spray, does anyone have any experience using this? She also recommended giving her doses of Benadryl to help with any itching or discomfort that may be causing her to chew her feathers off. She confirmed that she isn't plucking the entire feathers out, just breaking them off.

Click to expand...

We use AviVera Spray and SOOTHER Topical Spray. Both work very well, but need to be very careful in how you spray with either of them since both produce a very fine mist that can easily enter the Air Sacks if not used with care. In addition, both will develop a build-up over time, so go soaking baths are important to prevent the build-up.

The SOOTHER 'seems to' have a greater amount of active Aloe Vera. But, I have know way to know that for sure other than it seems to build up faster.

Both products are up for Recertification at at present, there does not seem to be any Bottler that is willing to put the money in place for that work (Government Approvals).

We use a fine 100% water mister as the primary mister with either of the above as needed. For us, its once a day with the Aloe Vera.

Please be very careful in not misting above the Parrot's head or in the face. After misting, quickly move the Parrot away from where the mist is hanging in the air. Please understand that I am not saying that it is dangerous only much heavier than water misted in the air - falling on the safe side if you will.

SailBoat said:

NandaTheFae said:

Update: The vet seemed confident that the odds of her barbering being due to a physical problem are slim. She's a good weight and looks healthy otherwise. She recommended getting a humidifier and mentioned a spray they use to have with aloe Vera in it that was discontinued. We found another spray that sounds similar, Avivera Aloe Vera spray, does anyone have any experience using this? She also recommended giving her doses of Benadryl to help with any itching or discomfort that may be causing her to chew her feathers off. She confirmed that she isn't plucking the entire feathers out, just breaking them off.

Click to expand...

We use AviVera Spray and SOOTHER Topical Spray. Both work very well, but need to be very careful in how you spray with either of them since both produce a very fine mist that can easily enter the Air Sacks if not used with care. In addition, both will develop a build-up over time, so go soaking baths are important to prevent the build-up.

The SOOTHER 'seems to' have a greater amount of active Aloe Vera. But, I have know way to know that for sure other than it seems to build up faster.

Both products are up for Recertification at at present, there does not seem to be any Bottler that is willing to put the money in place for that work (Government Approvals).

We use a fine 100% water mister as the primary mister with either of the above as needed. For us, its once a day with the Aloe Vera.

Please be very careful in not misting above the Parrot's head or in the face. After misting, quickly move the Parrot away from where the mist is hanging in the air. Please understand that I am not saying that it is dangerous only much heavier than water misted in the air - falling on the safe side if you will.

Click to expand...

Perjo seems to be bothered in her neck area more than any other right now, does a lot of neck scratching. What would you recommend as the approach to spraying the neck area? Mist my hand and rub it on her neck?

DRB said:

SailBoat said:

NandaTheFae said:

Update: The vet seemed confident that the odds of her barbering being due to a physical problem are slim. She's a good weight and looks healthy otherwise. She recommended getting a humidifier and mentioned a spray they use to have with aloe Vera in it that was discontinued. We found another spray that sounds similar, Avivera Aloe Vera spray, does anyone have any experience using this? She also recommended giving her doses of Benadryl to help with any itching or discomfort that may be causing her to chew her feathers off. She confirmed that she isn't plucking the entire feathers out, just breaking them off.

Click to expand...

We use AviVera Spray and SOOTHER Topical Spray. Both work very well, but need to be very careful in how you spray with either of them since both produce a very fine mist that can easily enter the Air Sacks if not used with care. In addition, both will develop a build-up over time, so go soaking baths are important to prevent the build-up.

The SOOTHER 'seems to' have a greater amount of active Aloe Vera. But, I have know way to know that for sure other than it seems to build up faster.

Both products are up for Recertification at at present, there does not seem to be any Bottler that is willing to put the money in place for that work (Government Approvals).

We use a fine 100% water mister as the primary mister with either of the above as needed. For us, its once a day with the Aloe Vera.

Please be very careful in not misting above the Parrot's head or in the face. After misting, quickly move the Parrot away from where the mist is hanging in the air. Please understand that I am not saying that it is dangerous only much heavier than water misted in the air - falling on the safe side if you will.

Click to expand...

Perjo seems to be bothered in her neck area more than any other right now, does a lot of neck scratching. What would you recommend as the approach to spraying the neck area? Mist my hand and rub it on her neck?

Click to expand...

First, this needs to be defined as to it being the result of a medical, behavior or the effects of the surroundings.

Since we are fairly nearby each other and likely share to so some level like weather patterns. You have likely noted a major drop in Humidity Levels in your home. We are much drier and much colder this year than in the last near seven years. So much for Globe Warming, ya like palm trees on Lake Michigan Shoreline. Anyway, check the Humidity Level in your home. If you are under 43 with a target home temperature of 70 degrees, you need to add Humidity. If you are lower, than you will need to add much more! Draw a line across the center belt of the USA, and everything above (North) that line is at a very low Humidity reading outside and also inside our homes. Target getting your Humidity up in your home. I have a full home system that is 'working hard' to keep a reading above 45 with a target home temperature of 70 degrees. So, target that first! My target is a reading of 50.

Okay, now to your question:
First, get a fine misting spray bottle. Target a smaller (pump head) or one that clearly states that it is for 'Misting.' Home Gardening Center would be my first place that I would look! Lots of plants need 'Misting' this time of year and that just increase the change of them having what you need. Add water and test it. It should create a ball of mist in front the pump head. An Ironing Misting Pump also will work. You do not want to create a spray!

Second, start with water! Its your call, based on the type of water you have in your area. If you avoid drinking your tap water, use bottled water.

Third, lets work with the head first, since it is the most exposed, i.e. eyes, ears, and the complete beck areas that direct Misting is to avoid. With only 'water' Mist up into the air above your Parrot and allow it to 'rain' lightly down on to your Parrot's head. Misting directly at their face could be seen as a punishment and that is to be avoided. Commonly, what falls on the head, also but to a lesser degree, falls on the neck. The back of the neck will receive more Mist than the side and under the bill. At this point its a level of what the Parrot will allow.

Now, lets talk about AviVera Spray and SOOTHER Topical Spray, because I think that is what your question is targeting. Remember my disclaimer and my point that I am playing it on the safe side. That said, it now comes into what your Parrot will allow in and around its head. If you can target the Mist by being in closer, with a lite squeeze of the trigger and therefore not creating a cloud that will engulf not only the neck, but the entire head -that is what we want to avoid. If you will, being up close and spot Misting.

When I need to Mist 'in general' I have my Amazon on my left hand and I Mist with my right hand (cause I'm right handed). This allows me to Mist and move and than Mist and move. This way I am never creating an area that would be heavy with the AviVera Spray and/or SOOTHER Topical Spray, since I would always be moving away from the area of the last Misting.

Once again, I am playing it on the safe side. If you choose to use both or either product. Mist it in the air in front of you and breath as you walk into it. Try it with water first and than with the product. To me, I think it is heavier and therefore, I'm playing it on the safe side.

I hope that this helped!

Thanks.

I assume it is safe for the birds to ingest if some of the mist gets on their tongue or their beak is open?

DRB said:

Thanks.

I assume it is safe for the birds to ingest if some of the mist gets on their tongue or their beak is open?

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Correct. It is for that reason that I only go with what is recommended by my AV! After all, our Parrot are activity working with every feather they can reach with their Bill, which means that whatever is on the feathers will be in the Beak and on the Tongue. As always, take care around the eyes and ears.

I realize that Health Food Stores can provide a cross-section of stuff that they claim are Parrot Friendly, BUT! Buyer Beware!