Help. Have just rescued a cockatoo named Leroy.

[Nanber]

Can anyone give me some advice please.
I have just rescued a cockatoo from my vet. He was brought in to be put down.
He is a beautiful gentle creature. But he has plucked about half his feathers, and much more of a concern he has a largish goitre on his neck.
I gather it might be an iodine deficiency.
Can anyone give me some advice. I already have a small Senegal, but I have no experience with Cockatoos.
Thanks

 

[Kiwibird]

Thank you for saving this precious baby! Do you know what species of cockatoo he is and do you have a photo of the "goiter" on his neck? I think your first order of business is to have him looked at by an avian vet ASAP. He needs a full examination (blood, fecal, X-ray) to determine the cause of the plucking (medical or behavioral) as well as the thing on his neck! It is of the upmost importance to ISOLATE him from your sennie until you know he is free from communicable diseases.

Cockatoos are more attention needy than other birds unless you train them otherwise. Teaching self rewarding play, along with structure and routine is what a cockatoo needs. They also like to chew things, so be sure he's getting a lot of chewing toys.They tend to need a lot larger cage than other kinds of parrots in relation to their size. VERY active, busy birds. Getting more specific with what kind of cockatoo he is would help people experiences with his species give better advice on cage size and temperament. Best of luck!

 

[sonja]

PLEASE take the bird to an avian vet for a check up. I took in a parrot that was diagnosed by a regular vet as having a tumor on his neck. The "tumor" was the bird's CROP and I'm so thankful they didn't try to remove it!! Make sure the "goiter" is not just the bird's normal crop!!!
If you give us some more info about the bird, and some pics, we'd be happy to help!

 

[Allee]

It's good you were there to save poor Leroy from being euthanized. Do you know the bird's age or any of his history? I agree with the others, I would definitely take Leroy to an avian vet for a thorough exam as soon as possible.

 

[punkindave]

Make sure you quarantine him from your Senegal.
I wasn't aware that a bird could have such a condition but here it is!!
Causes, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention of Goiters (Thyroid Enlargement) in Birds

Don't guess, get him to an Avian vet for a full workup.. A simple deficiency would be great news!!

 

[Kimmied]

Thank goodness you came along to rescue this little one in distress!! Kudos to you. I agree with everyone else, avian vet is necessary here. Is the bird eating and drinking? Swallowing ok? A goiter will most likely prevent that. Leroy would not have much interest in food if not be vomiting at this point. It really sounds more like a blockage.