How to stop Macaw from plucking and chewing feather

[tin1197]

Hi , I need some help to stop my macaw from plucking his feathers. Any tips? I would appreciate it.

 

[chris-md]

Hello and welcome!

So sorry you’re having to deal with this. Several of us are loved by pluckers and barber era so you’re definitely in good company.

Can you give us your macaws backstory? Show long has he been with you? How long as he plucked? What is his diet like? Daily routine?

Plucking is a very complex behavior that can have its roots in hundreds of causes. We need information to help guide.

The honest truth is that much of the advise you’ll get will fall into a few key camps: 1) take the bird for a full physics by an avian certified vet to rule out any medical causes, 2) simply providing a loving home, 3) provide daily enrichment/play/foraging opportunities, and 4) improving the diet.

Added bonus recommendation: a soothing spray is occasionally recommended as well. If the skin is highly irritated, a soothing spray like Avicalm can help sooth irritated skin, which may give a fighting chance. However, be wary of anything that claims to fix plucking with a bottle.

However, if he’s been plucking for a long time, you can address the underlying synotoms, but it’s been so long that the plucking will be an ubreakable habit. As my vet says, “so long as you’ve fixed the cause, there’s nothing wrong with a naked, happy bird!” One might argue to never give up hope, and the constant search for a cure will be immensely beneficial to your bird. but there is a reality to bear in mind that it might not be correctable.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Welcome.

Here's a great reading resource.
http://www.parrotforums.com/behavioral/52217-plucking-search-answers.ht


Plucking and chewing (also called barbering) is a very complex issue... we spend a lot of time examining it here.

I'm glad you're reaching out...

 

[TiredOldMan]

Welcome, come on in!

Both posters above hit the nail on the head. You will find solid advice and good support here.

 

[itzjbean]

If you tell us more about your macaw and his situation, we may be able to help you out more. For example....

- When did you acquire him?

- Is the chewing and plucking a recent development, or did he come to you this way?

- When was his last avian vet checkup?

- How many hours of interaction does he get daily from you or members of your family?

- Has anything in your living situation changed recently? (Moved somewhere else, had someone move in with you, etc.)

- What is his current diet?

- Do you provide toys for chewing and wood?

 

[wrench13]

If you are a Macaw owner, reading all the stickies at the top of the Macaw sub-forum will help enormously, as will any thread started by birdman666 the resident macaw expert.
Also, read the I Love Amazons, in the Amazon sub forum - it contains a LOT of information that is common to the care of all parrots, from parrrotlets to Macaws.

 

[Scott]

This thread is extremely insightful and helpful! http://www.parrotforums.com/behavioral/52217-plucking-search-answers.html