fun exercise suggestions, questions on plucking

[stevePesce]

Over the winter, my friend gave me his dad's 12ish year old DYH amazon, Daisy. Unfortunately, they had around 15 birds and none of them got as much attention as they should have(why?!?). As a result, Daisy plucks her feathers. She mostly just has down on her chest, there aren't any bald spots that you can see normally, but if shes wet you can see that her shoulders have a couple little spots.

I had the choice to pick any bird I wanted, I chose Daisy because she liked me a lot, and nobody really played with her. She was in a garage, detached from the house, with all of the birds that screamed really loud (why not just get rid of them all????. How many people would love to have a parrot but can't afford to buy one?). The situation obviously made me mad.




Anyway...

I have been waiting to see if it improved, but it hasn't. She gets tons of attention here now and the bird loves me. In fact, she loves me a little too much, she often sticks her tail in the air, presents her vent to me, and peeks her head around the side to stare me down (I'm trying to correct this).

She is starting to get talkative, saying things that I assume she learned as a baby, but hasn't said recently at all. I have been bathing her often, from 2 to 5 times a week. She has many toys and seems to play with them all. She seems like a happy bird to me, yet she still plucks.

I have a few questions on the matter:

When I see her plucking, what do I do? Pick her up and play with her? Tell her to stop? Offer a chew toy?

How can I tell the difference between plucking and preening?

Is getting some type of spray, that will make her not like the taste of her feathers, a good idea? Any suggestions on a brand?

One thing that I have noticed, is that I don't think she gets enough exercise just exploring her cage and playing with toys. I am considering trying to teach her to fly. She cant even soften a fall with her wings, she just hits the ground hard. In the meantime, I would like to find a way to give her some fun, healthy exercise, but I'm not really sure what to do.

When I bring her outside, she doesn't really walk around, she just kinda stays put wherever I place her.

How does one usually get a bird to exercise?

Do you do any fun activities with your parrot? I would like to hear what others do.

How can I encourage her to be more active, and not just sit around when I place her? I try to walk around and call her but if she ever walks, she just walks to the door.

If I got a harness and leash, and gently pulled her along while I walked, would this just piss her off, or does it sound like a good idea?

Any suggestions on getting her to stop plucking, other than my questions?

Thanks for reading. Looking forward to your replies.

 

[Bandespresso]

What a cute little fuzzbutt!!!! You must be so in love!

I would suggest first taking her to an avian vet to rule out all medical-related reasons for plucking. You're doing all kinds of great things for her! Make sure she has lots of things to chew on and shred. Unfortunately, behavioral plucking is compulsion. Some birds get over it in a healthy home and some don't and that's okay! She'll be happy as long as you are providing her with a healthy diet, lots of toys, and lots of interaction.

It will be a very long process and I hope it is something she heals from! If not, there are some folks that make lovely felt collars that help deter plucking behaviors but that is a last-resort option in my opinion.

http://www.parrotforums.com/behavioral/52217-plucking-search-answers.html

As far as exercise, encourage wing flapping and lots of walking. Try to teach her to walk to you! And remember to make whatever exercise you do fun and enriching.

What sort of foods is Daisy eating?

 

[stevePesce]

I did consider some type of vest. I got her a hoodie but she wont let me put it on her.

She eats some mix from from a bird store that they suggested. I'm not sure exactly whats in there but I will attach a picture. Its hard to tell from this though because its the end of a very big bag and a lot of it is crumbs. Click for full size.



Iv'e been trying to teach her to wing flap, but it seems like she doesn't like when i shake her up and down to do it.

I actually think she looks adorable with her chest all fluffy. If she doesn't get over it is it ok? Is it unhealthy?

I would like to get her foods that would keep her more occupied, like walnuts.

Thanks for the link, very helpful.

 

[Allee]

Daisy is a real beauty and her name fits her perfectly!

I know it happens all too often, but it's hard to imagine someone putting that lovely girl in a garage.

I can't add anything to the excellent advice Bandespresso gave you about plucking, only that in the photo, it doesn't look like Daisy's plucking has progressed to the point of needing a vest or collar. Collars are usually only considered in extreme cases, hopefully Daisy's plucking will only be temporary.

Her seed mix looks like one of the better quality mixes, but there are a lot of fresh foods and grains that you could add to Daisy's diet. Maybe even consider a pellet based diet.

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...afe-fresh-foods-toxic-food-lists-sprouts.html

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html

Good luck with your gorgeous girl. Photos are always welcome.

 

[stevePesce]

Another pic of Daisy being completely adorable and photogenic:

 

[Bandespresso]

I wouldn't worry about getting the hoodie on her right now especially since you are still beginning your relationship. If it progresses any then maybe start desensitizating her to it (which will be helpful for harness training if you want her to be flighted). I know if many pluckers who never stopped plucking in spite of years of trying to help. they still lived happy, healthy lives. Give her lots of time and lots of love No matter what her feathers look like.

I would definitely start by following Wendy's links to convert daisy to a better diet: zons are prone to fatty liver disease so a diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, and grains with minimal seeds and nuts is ideal For an Amazon. that looks like a wonderful seed mix though! I would eat it

Don't fret too much about exercise especially if you plan on making her flighted. Everything will come in time

 

[stevePesce]

I also give her fresh fruits and vegtables when I can. Not every day though. I will read the link on healthy foods, thanks.

 

[Bandespresso]

Another pic of Daisy being completely adorable and photogenic:

She is so precious!! Is this a newer picture than the others? Her feathers look better here!

 

[stevePesce]

Another pic of Daisy being completely adorable and photogenic:

She is so precious!! Is this a newer picture than the others? Her feathers look better here!

This was actually the week that I got her. Though it could partially be the angle, it looks like she is worse now than before , which I am only just noticing. She did get really stressed out from the move, we sent her through delta cargo.

When my friend dropped her off, he saw an employee pick up her kennel, walk it to a different area, and drop it waist high (intentionally). Who knows how bad she was handled there. When my friend questioned him, he acted like he had no idea that animal cages shouldn't be thrown to their destination.

My friend, who's parent's owned the bird, was taking care of Daisy for a few months after he moved out, prior to shipping her. I'm sure Daisy misses him (he was a good caretaker, unlike his parents).

 

[Allee]

I think Daisy is going to do so well in your home. She's had a lot of changes, not to mention trauma and stress.

I love that last photo. She really is completely adorable and photogenic!