kayley
Just Hatched
Joined: August 2023
Posts: 1
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Post by kayley on Aug 22, 2023 17:36:39 GMT -7
Hi guys, I hope everyone's well. I thought why not try and see if I can get help from anyone here. My Charlie is a plucker unfortunately, he's 8 year's old and I've had him since he was 5. Now when I got him the previous owner kept him in his cage and he's plucked since then, since I've had him, from day 1 he stays out and has the run of the living room even while we are at work and school. He comes out with me on school runs shopping and he does socialise, he's got toys, and he's always with me. The only time he goes in his cage is bedtime and even then sometimes he sleeps with me in my room on a open perch you know. I did take him to the vet because I wanted to make sure he was ok, they did blood tests and did theirs thing and he's good, I can only assume it's habit now but just when I think he's getting better he now seems worse than 3 years ago. I have tried so many things and spent a lot on products but nothing is working, I have a neck collar and the vet did say that Could be the way to go but I really want to make sure I've tried absolutely everything before I do that because I just don't want to do that to him even though its being cruel to be kind. Please guys any suggestions would be so appreciated xxx
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Post by Jane on Aug 23, 2023 1:25:58 GMT -7
Hello and welcome to the forum. I moved your post so it has its own thread.
Plucking is very difficult to stop, especially once it becomes a habit and you have tried a lot of products already. Some Greys do pluck. There is a product called "Pluck No More" but I don't know if it works. He might get worse from time to time if he is molting because molting can be irritating. Do you spray him in general, as that might help if his skin is dry.
I wouldn't put a collar on him as that will upset him and it will only stop him plucking while it is on.
Jane
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Post by Haz on Aug 23, 2023 8:38:02 GMT -7
Welcome to the forum,
I know that plucking is very hard to cure. Some people have had success with putting a new, clean, feather duster in the cage for the bird to preen instead of its own feathers.
Haz
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katietill
Just Hatched
Joined: December 2023
Posts: 1
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Post by katietill on Dec 21, 2023 17:29:29 GMT -7
Hi! I also have a grey that is struggling with plucking or barbering depending on the day. He is 30 y/o. Never plucked. I was home for an extended time and when I returned to work he began plucking and chewing the feathers. I have tried everything. Diet, medication, lights, toys, ect.. he has completely removed his chest, neck and most of the front of his legs. New ones will come and he will chew them. This has been going on since July. The vet says he is healthy but suspects its separation anxiety. Any advice on this would be helpful.
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Post by Jane on Dec 22, 2023 2:01:20 GMT -7
As he has never plucked before it does sound that it is due to him getting upset about you going back to work after being at home. You can get specific preening toys that they can use to deter them from plucking but once they start it can be difficult to stop. Does he pluck when you are actually there? When you are with him you could try and praise him when he isn't plucking.
Jane
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