Feather help!

[Nerdy_bug]

This is Paco! (We were told she was a he when we rescued her) Can anyone tell me why her feathers split like this?

 

[HeatherG]

My first guess is that she’s chewing or barbering her feathers. I say that because her head feathers look fine. Are her head feathers ok or are they also damaged?

 

[Zoruace]

I agree with heather..
There are many ways to fix over preening
May I ask whats your bird’s diet?
Diet plays a big role
Can you also tell me his age and cage set up?
My bird was overpreening because she wouldn’t take frequent baths
Make sure the air isnt too dry and offer him chances to take baths!
Also I recommend taking him to an avian vet

 

[Nerdy_bug]

My first guess is that she’s chewing or barbering her feathers. I say that because her head feathers look fine. Are her head feathers ok or are they also damaged?

Her head feathers are perfect and can lay smooth beautifully. So it makes sense she’s just overpreening ☹️

 

[Nerdy_bug]

I agree with heather..
There are many ways to fix over preening
May I ask whats your bird’s diet?
Diet plays a big role
Can you also tell me his age and cage set up?
My bird was overpreening because she wouldn’t take frequent baths
Make sure the air isnt too dry and offer him chances to take baths!
Also I recommend taking him to an avian vet

She is a very picky eater so we have a mix of nuts/seeds and pelleted food.(most of which ends up wasted on the bottom of her cage) Her cage is an upgrade from what she was originally in. Ignore the floor. She had a destroy-all toy. 😀

 

[Zoruace]

She is a very picky eater so we have a mix of nuts/seeds and pelleted food.(most of which ends up wasted on the bottom of her cage) Her cage is an upgrade from what she was originally in. Ignore the floor. She had a destroy-all toy. 😀

If she spends less then 2 hours (not counting sleep) i think its a good cage!
I would add more toys its also a good thing to see her playing
What pellets do you use?
Does she get any veggies or is seed/nuts her main food?

 

[Nerdy_bug]

She is offered every fruit and vegetable that are parrot safe and she hates them all. And fortified seeds/nuts are her favorite. She LOVES to “forage” and scratch for anything leftover on the bottom platform of her cage. We have tried to do just pellet food. She will refuse to eat for days. We have tried multiple different brands. Rowdy Bush was a no go and so was premium. Any advice welcome!

 

[Niteldy]

Sounds like my StanLee !!! I saw the same feathers! Your baby is barbering for sure- you say this is a rescue who was abused? My baby was as well. I finally have a bird who is letting his feathers grow and is calm and yes finally eating like a normal bird LOL !! I suggest a Vet who specializes in Birds. My vet has put my baby on Prozac. Its made a world of difference! I'm not saying it works for everyone but you definitely need to take your baby to a specialist. Good luck !

 

[Laurasea]

hello, definitely greys are prone to FDB..
She looks a little thin to me, do you check weights?
Greys need a little more calcium, and sunlight. You can offer boiled egg with the shell. Ofcourse pellets and veggies contain calcium...darn those picky eaters..
Taking them for a walk in travel cage, or secure everything twice; including cage tray, and roll outside to light shade and stay right with them, a few times a week as weather permits.

Offer baths daily ( ok of refuse) try a large sturdy casserole dish, or maybe a new cat litter tray with a couple of inches of water, really splash around with your hand as this often lures them in. Or offer misting spray fine mist upwards and allow to fall back down on bird.

I will look for my veggies help article

Tips for Getting Your Parrot to Eat Vegetables or Unfamiliar Foods.

So you know the three essential, but ultimately simple, skills for feeding your pet birds – chop, grain bakes, and sprouts. You feed a pellet base (or maybe not, depending on your views), and…

threebirdsandacloud.wordpress.com

Terry started a thread packed with resources
Thread 'Chop Recipes Resource Thread' https://www.parrotforums.com/threads/chop-recipes-resource-thread.91664/

 

[Laurasea]

This article by Pamela Ckark behavioral specialist, vet tech, and CAG enthusiasts talks about their needs fir sunlight..

The African Grey Parrot: Data and Deliberations

It’s a daunting task to write an article about any companion parrot species without relying too heavily upon the anthropomorphic or the generalization. It’s worth the attempt, however, in the case …

blogpamelaclarkonline.com

Her nice chop article

chop for parrots – Pamela Clark, CPBC

Posts about chop for parrots written by Pamela Clark, CPBC

blogpamelaclarkonline.com

 

[Laurasea]

Ok sounds like you already do foraging which is a great way to occupy them .
Here is a link, I think is fun to do together

 

[Laurasea]

also low calcium is linked with feather destruction behavior

Ornithology: Share and discuss scientific articles on parrots!

Yes I read that as well about urine. Absolutely, please share the you tube, or any articles you want. I'm fascinated by our birds friends! link to a Youtube video on UV Parakeet information.

www.parrotforums.com

 

[Niteldy]

Wow ! I didnt know that about the calcium thing! I recently began sharing my daily yogurt with StanLee. that along with the Prozac and diet changes , and bi-weekly showers may explain why he hasn't been shredding his feathers! YAY ! gotta knock on wood real quick!