Pika is getting a cone... :(

Hey guys,

my lovebird Pika will be most likely getting a cone tomorrow to prevent her from picking on her wound. Two months ago we went to the vet to treat a cut and everything was healing fine up until recently, but when the scab fell off and the feathers started regrowing she started scratching herself to blood, so she's going to the vet ASAP.

I phoned the vet to make an appointment tomorrow and she said that she'll need to be a bit drugged the first few days so not to injure herself if she'd try to take the cone off. I am hesitant to bring her home during the "getting-used-to" process and would maybe prefer if she'd stay at the vet's for a few days, but I am not smart... bringing her home would be less stress but health wise maybe she'd be better off at the office?

Anyhow, I'd like everyone's experiences with cones? Am I supposed to set up things differently for her - food, water dishes? I know the vet will brief me tomorrow and let me know but I am a worried owner at the moment

Thanks!

Take a deep breath

I'm sure she'll be fine, many animals get the "cone of shame" every day. Best bet is to ask the vet whilst there. They won't just slap a cone on her and hand her back to you. I would think possibly tipping the bowls part way to make it easier to get to the stuff inside may be an idea or even getting some very shallow bowls just to help make things easier. I think coming home will be the best thing for her so she isn't too scared (she'll probably be a bit grumpy though) The vet will almost certainly tell you to just keep an eye on her and if she is trying to get at the cone constantly to give them a quick call and they can give you some advice or to suggest going in.

Not a big believer in cones. There are two types, one is made of a hard plastic and the other is made of cloth, commonly knitted. From what I have seen, the cloth cones seem to be 'accepted' better than the hard plastic type.

Assure that if you are to provide medications, that your AV takes the time to show you how to hold and provide the medication to your Parrot!

Warm feather hugs!

Be sure to discuss alternatives with the vet if the cone doesn't work out. As Steven mentioned, there are soft alternatives these days which could be a gentler, kinder option than those horrible plastic things.

My moms amazon got a cone when she broke her foot, to stop her picking the cast. The put it on and said it was necessary. My mom took it off after just a few hours. She was so stressed by it my mom just saw it in her eyes she was going to have a heart attack or stroke or something. Remember, you know your bird you interact with and care for daily better than the vet who sees the bird once or twice a year. It was 24/7 supervision, in shifts, by everyone in the family until the cast came off to keep her from chewing it, but that awful cone did not go back on her! Your bird could accept the cone well, but do have a plan B if she doesn't and discuss the options with the vet.

Thanks guys! Over the phone I asked the vet if it's the soft one or plastic and they said soft.
We are on our way as I'm typing this so I'll keep you posted.

She didn't get the cone. She got another round of antibiotics and a new ointment based on propolis/"bee glue". We also got notes on where to purchase more ointment if required, which we didn't get for the first one she got.

The wing looks pretty sore but the vet says that there's a scab forming, and that I should provide as much enrichment and toys I possibly can to make her forget about scratching and destroying her wound. Fingers crossed!