Rescue help!

[BirdMomma]

I went to purchase a rescue that was in need of a home. That rescue turned into three. One of them is perfectly healthy but is super aggressive and 18 years old. there is a male and female pair that are 33 years old and they have aggressively been plucking their feathers and the male is aggressive. The person that I got them from said that they have tried everything they can to get them to stop but I’ve been feeding them a simple pellet diet only. They have not been held and have not been taken care of for quite some time. I’ve called the vet but can’t get in to see him for three weeks. In the meantime what can I do to help these babies so that they can get healthy again. She says they have developed a liking to being in pain and it’s kind of a drug to them now. She says no matter what I do they won’t stop. They haven’t had a healthy diet and that is something that is changing as we speak. They don’t like fresh fruits they don’t like fresh vegetables. All they want is peanuts and yogurt covered cranberries. The female who is super aggressive has extreme fear what even approaching her cage. She will fluff up as big as she can and growl and then bite. The woman actually says she played the poke game with her. I couldn’t leave them with her. I am looking for guidance while I wait to get into the vet. Any help would be super.

https://app.photobucket.com/u/kbuchanan120/p/77bb810e-4e40-4fa6-a691-98ba541ee15c

https://app.photobucket.com/u/kbuchanan120/p/5745056f-7877-4c34-93b5-7e2e22809518

 

[Scott]

Welcome to the forums, kudos for taking on a mercy rescue of epic proportions!

A few generalities: Greys are extremely intelligent, keen observers of their environment. Rather stubborn, prone to nutritional deficiencies and potential chronic illnesses. Straight up you've taken on a challenge, but potential upside of bonding with a trio of greys is sublime. As prelude, please read this informative thread atop our Grey sub-forum: http://www.parrotforums.com/congo-timneh-greys/59366-cag-101-a.html

Hopefully the vet is avian certified or equivalent for accurate diagnosis of health issues. Plucking is often behavioral response to stress, malnutrition, disease, on occasion skin issues. Check this well written discussion: http://www.parrotforums.com/behavioral/52217-plucking-search-answers.html

Building trust and bonding can be a lengthy process, thankfully no shortage of creative ideas: http://www.parrotforums.com/general-parrot-information/49144-tips-bonding-building-trust.html

Greys are notoriously stubborn when altering diet. Most any pellet superior to peanuts and yogurt covered cranberries, but save the latter for very occasional treat when attempting to train. (small bits only!!) A technique I've used is preparing multiple bowls of fresh veggies and fruits, offering one each to your birds, start eating from yours. Make "mmmm" sounds of enjoyment, bob your head with joy. Parrots are flock eaters and you are one of the flock! A few dietary suggestions:http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html