How much time does your bird spend preening?

[Zumaria]

Has anyone had a bird that has over preened? Is this as serious as plucking? I think that's what she's doing, how much time does your bird spend preening?

I'll try to get pictures, but her feathers are split. I'm trying to keep her busy, but she doesn't have too much interest in things.

Thanks in advance for any tips!

 

[GaryBV]

My understanding is African grays are more prone to plucking than most other species, and I suspect it's related to their considerable intelligence. Try giving her some seed coated pinecones (search vita verde candy cones) and pick up some Wesco Kabobs (I believe these things were instrumental in getting my parrotlet to stop plucking). You might consider a vet trip as well to see if there is a medical issue or an allergy issue that is causing the issue. It is certainly something that you would want to nip in the bud.

 

[Zumaria]

Thanks for the tips Gary - those pine cones look fun! I will try both of these.

We took a trip to the vet, she's healthy! I try to keep her busy, but she loses interest in things so quickly it's hard to keep up. I've been thinking she'd be happy with a friend, but we're not where I'd like us to be in our relationship to consider bringing another birdy in yet.

Thanks again!

 

[antoinette]

[FONT=&quot]Glad you took your bird to the vet and your bird is healthy.[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Over preening could lead to plucking !!!!

[/FONT] [FONT=&quot]Feather Plucking / Feather Picking is one of the most dreaded and feared conditions for African Grey guardians.

[/FONT] [FONT=&quot]It could be a physical illness or a behavioral problem.

[/FONT] [FONT=&quot]African Greys’ require lots of attention and interaction with their “human flock. Provide your bird with plenty of toys. A variety of toys is important too – never underestimate the value of toys! Give them toys to chew on, take apart, put back together that, have different textures, shapes and sizes. Use foraging toys, toys that stimulate different senses. Place new toys in their cage and on their play top area. Rotate them often…..If possible place the cage near a window, letting your bird view the outside world. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Consider upping your parrot’s enrichment schedule and include some training to help redirect your parrot to other acceptable activities. [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Weather changes play an important part[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Is it too wet? Allowing moulting spores can set in?[/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Is the air too dry? A humidifier might need to be placed in their area.[/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Hygienic animals by nature, a dirty, unkempt cage is detrimental to a Grey's mental as well as physical health. Is the cage large enough? [/FONT]
[FONT=&quot]Is your African Grey taking regular baths or showers to keep them clean and healthy? [/FONT]

[FONT=&quot]Make sure you are always around when there is anyone new around your African Grey. Unfortunately, not everyone understands birds and could act inappropriately. Frightening experiences have been known to bring on feather plucking.[/FONT]
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[Zumaria]

Thanks for chiming in Antoinette!

She has a california cage, it's huge. I also just bought her a smaller medium sized one normal for greys, I'm going to try and make it her sleep cage. The home she came from had her in a cage that size. Her cage is in a room with a bunch of windows that points over the city. I don't want her to get too close to it because it's drafty and I don't want people to be able to see her.

She sometimes seems to fright easily. Or rather, she just isn't as confident as some other birds. I do often have two friends of my over (a couple) for dinner, but they are very skilled with her - I taught them well!

She is in the shower when I am. She doesn't like to bath under the stream yet, but she gets steam from when I'm showering and I spray her with a spray bottle until it's empty. She also has a humidifier in her room. I also recently picked up a nice bucket / tub from a thrift store, but want to make sure I'm satisfied how clean it is before I let her use it for baths.

I've been observing her and I kinda of think that she likes the texture/sensation of feathers. She takes her down ones and just chews on them. I do also think she is a bit bored, she gets so bored so quickly of toys. I do rotate them out as often as possible, she is currently trying to hold and chew on 3 vine balls simultaneously, so cute!

 

[antoinette]

Thanks for chiming in Antoinette!

She has a california cage, it's huge. I also just bought her a smaller medium sized one normal for greys, I'm going to try and make it her sleep cage. The home she came from had her in a cage that size. Her cage is in a room with a bunch of windows that points over the city. I don't want her to get too close to it because it's drafty and I don't want people to be able to see her.

She sometimes seems to fright easily. Or rather, she just isn't as confident as some other birds. I do often have two friends of my over (a couple) for dinner, but they are very skilled with her - I taught them well!

She is in the shower when I am. She doesn't like to bath under the stream yet, but she gets steam from when I'm showering and I spray her with a spray bottle until it's empty. She also has a humidifier in her room. I also recently picked up a nice bucket / tub from a thrift store, but want to make sure I'm satisfied how clean it is before I let her use it for baths.

I've been observing her and I kinda of think that she likes the texture/sensation of feathers. She takes her down ones and just chews on them. I do also think she is a bit bored, she gets so bored so quickly of toys. I do rotate them out as often as possible, she is currently trying to hold and chew on 3 vine balls simultaneously, so cute!

You are doing a splendid job Zumaria
These rope boings keep Mishka occupied for hours on end.
Perhaps instead of chewing a feather your bird will learn to chew the boing.

You are able to change the shape many times.

 

[alisjasp]

My bird spends like more than 1min

 

[lisascannell]

When they are not eating they are preening! LOL

 

[Zumaria]

Haha, I know they gotta keep up appearances but her feathers look shredded from too much preening.

Thanks for the tip on the boing, it's not too late for Christmas!