Cockatoo keeps plucking and has a self-inflicted injury

[Dream]

Hey!

My Umbrella Cockatoo has been plucking for months, and he just won't stop! Recently (2 days ago) he gave himself a self-inflicted injury and now I'm very worried! Is there anything I can do that will help him?

 

[MikeyTN]

That injury needs to be taken care of before it becomes infected!!! He may need to wear a cone for the time being and a sock buddy. Have you taken him to the vet to see if anything is wrong with him? Any changes around the household?

 

[Pinkbirdy]

I would try a sock buddy . I hate that they do this !! I had a Too that plucked ,then mutilated . She eventually died [I had tried everything except the sock] . I regret that now. Try doing a 180 with her . Change toys ,cage location . Get her shredding newspaper . Bring her to dinner take her you [take her outside] have her meet new people. Sometimes a HUGE change helps.

 

[elenyvon]

After you follow the previous recommendations, (vet, rearrange her/his life) tray giving she/he a warm bath every 4 or five days. This help my friend with his cockatoo but do not if it will work with every one.

 

[jz1454]

This is very familiar !

My Goffin has bitten off two toes, gouged her leg to remove
bandages too many times to count (the mutilation gets so
bad that clots of blood are seen hanging off her wounds and
now the feather picking.

#1 Get your bird on antibiotics ASAP.

#2 My bird is currently on Gabapentin ... and it is helping.
Evidently this med interferes with nerve sensations.

#3 I give her weekly baths to relieve itching from healing wounds
and the feather growth. This part is not Vet recommended.
Birds should not be bathed this often. However my bathing is
temporary. Misting in the future.
The Vet did recommend spraying her body with an Aloe (human
grade - diluted ... from Whole Foods to prevent dry skin.)
Her bandages are removed before bathing and then replaced.
I am getting good at this !

#4 My behavior needed to be changed. I can no longer rub her back,
stroke her tail nor kiss under her wings. This is all sexual behavior
and leaves her frustrated. Who knew!
I now stroke her head and feet ... and of course ask for kisses.

#5 My bird needs 12-14 hours of uninterrupted sleep.
I should have known that few people could survive my schedule.

#6 I clean and REARRANGE her cage monthly.
This keeps her mind busy and occupied.

#7 Oh ... and she is wearing a hard plastic tube collar to discourage
picking/mutilating. I am looking into the soft petal collars as her
problem does not appear to be going away too soon.

With our 14 year relationship, I am sure that we will BOTH be fine.

Antibiotics ASAP and Best Wishes...