Hello Everyone,
I have 2 female Green Cheeks (Rava & Kali). They are sisters and nearing 2 1/2 years of age. Approximately 1 year ago we moved into a new house and since then Kali has become a neurotic feather picker. Despite having plenty of toys, foraging foods and ~4hours of time with me per day (we spend all morning together since I work evenings), she has taken to picking her feathers as her go to time waster. Literally, her picking is audible with a “click” as she shears the feather off. She doesn’t bother her fluffy down, but she seems to be in a constant state of regrowing feathers. I have transitioned her to Harrisons High Potency to provide some added nutrition to help with feather growth, but as soon as the new feather grows in fully and is no longer a blood feather she nips it off. It has gotten so bad that her chest is all white down feathers with everything else looking vibrant and unscathed. Approximately 3 months ago the girls had to be separated because Kali took to nipping off Rava’s feathers and nearly nipped her head bald with in a week.
At this point I have tried everything. It seems like she doesn’t even know how to preen for a few moments before I hear that “click” and see a little feather waft down to the floor. It breaks my heart. Meanwhile Rava is stunning and happily plays with all the new toys (I buy and make doubles so that they are always equal).
I’m hoping someone can give me some advice to help my little buddy.
Best wishes,
Hiro
I have 2 female Green Cheeks (Rava & Kali). They are sisters and nearing 2 1/2 years of age. Approximately 1 year ago we moved into a new house and since then Kali has become a neurotic feather picker. Despite having plenty of toys, foraging foods and ~4hours of time with me per day (we spend all morning together since I work evenings), she has taken to picking her feathers as her go to time waster. Literally, her picking is audible with a “click” as she shears the feather off. She doesn’t bother her fluffy down, but she seems to be in a constant state of regrowing feathers. I have transitioned her to Harrisons High Potency to provide some added nutrition to help with feather growth, but as soon as the new feather grows in fully and is no longer a blood feather she nips it off. It has gotten so bad that her chest is all white down feathers with everything else looking vibrant and unscathed. Approximately 3 months ago the girls had to be separated because Kali took to nipping off Rava’s feathers and nearly nipped her head bald with in a week.
At this point I have tried everything. It seems like she doesn’t even know how to preen for a few moments before I hear that “click” and see a little feather waft down to the floor. It breaks my heart. Meanwhile Rava is stunning and happily plays with all the new toys (I buy and make doubles so that they are always equal).
I’m hoping someone can give me some advice to help my little buddy.
Best wishes,
Hiro