PSA -- Cockatiel Plucking

hiriki

Well-known member
Oct 19, 2014
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588
Chicago, IL
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(Birdie - Jenday Conure)
(Kiwi - Green Cheek Conure)
(Elby - Lovebird)
(Gorou & Liberty - Ringneck Doves)
Hey guys!

I posted a while ago about my cockatiel plucking, and have since seen an avian vet about it. It was just a checkup--I'd chalked her plucking up to stress. Doh!

What I was told is that the plucking could be related to giardia, an intestinal parasite. I can't confirm or deny whether this was the issue, as I passed on the test and skipped right to treating this potential affliction. But past that we also found that her gland thing, you know, on her back above her tail, whatever that is called... was totally infected and inflamed!!

We're treating it and not only does the gland seem to be responding very well to Baytril, she nearly stopped plucking cold turkey overnight! I've had to scold her a few times, but I figure whatever irritation had caused her to do it compulsively before has subsided, because now I can actually get her to stop no problem. Before she'd just pick right back up where she left off.

In conclusion, don't make the same mistake I made!! Even for something like plucking, which you may misinterpret as an anxious/pathological habit, there may be a physical cause! Also, whatever you can do to encourage good diet and bathing habits might work as a form of preventative care. I adopted my Kibble as an adult, and though she now bathes and has a fairly well rounded diet, she didn't before. I believe she's had this problem way back since I got her!!

Thank goodness for thorough vets. She's been to the vet before and they never even LOOKED at her... gland thing, whatever it's called, lol. She's doing much better now.
 

Scott

Supporting Member
Aug 21, 2010
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
Thanks for a great update! Never underestimate the benefit of a thorough vet.
 

smbrds

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May 17, 2016
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Normal (or not so!) Grey Cockatiel
Very happy that your tiel's condition has subsided from good treatment, from a good vet. Totally agree on a "WellCare Package" for birds that include good diet, bathing and companionship. Well wishes for a full recovery.
 

Allee

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Oct 27, 2013
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U2-Poppy(Poppy lives with her new mommy, Misty now) CAG-Jack, YNA, Bingo, Budgie-Piper, Cockatiel-Sweet Pea Quakers-Harry, Sammy, Wilson ***Zeke (quaker) Twinkle (budgie) forever in our hearts
This is a wonderful update, I'm so glad you found a happy solution for Kibble. A great CAV can often make all the difference.
 
OP
hiriki

hiriki

Well-known member
Oct 19, 2014
411
588
Chicago, IL
Parrots
(Birdie - Jenday Conure)
(Kiwi - Green Cheek Conure)
(Elby - Lovebird)
(Gorou & Liberty - Ringneck Doves)
  • Thread Starter
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Thanks everyone! Yes, I'm very happy about this update!

The gland isn't clearing up as quickly as my vet would like, so it may end up being removed, but we're giving it a fighting chance first as of course she'll be better off with a working gland... thing! Lol!
 

LordTriggs

New member
May 11, 2017
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Surrey, UK
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Rio (Yellow sided conure) sadly no longer with us
good to hear the plucking is subsiding, proof right here that a vet visit should always be the first port of call when plucking starts if just to eliminate the potential of virus off the list
 

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