MY new addition to our family.

[molly]

Hi everyone, I have recently adopted a amazon, unsure of age or sex, yet. This bird was kept in an outside cage, toes bleeding & bitten off by another bird. Mites all over & constant plucking of feathers & biting feet until they bled.
Seeing that poor bird upset me, so I decided to do what I can to make this birds (Pip) life better.
First of all I went to the vets & got some ointment for his/her feet. I also bought some mite spray.

My question is.. "I have been spraying PIP for around 1 month. How long do I need to keep spraying for mites, I spray twice a week?".

Pip as vastly improved, feet have healed, although he/she does nibble them, so I have got plenty toys/wood/leather for her/him to chew up, keep pip busy, take her/his mind off the feet.
Pip's feathers are coming back too, he/she seems VERY happy living with me. Everyday I see new feathers. Pip still rubs her head, but I think thats due to the pins itching. The rest of her feathers, her chest/wings/belly are amazing now, before she was looking a mess not really preening just scratching.
Pip was kept in quarenteen for 5 weeks.
I sure would appreciate any thoughts on this matter.
Thanks.

Molly.

 

[Auggie's Dad]

I have been spraying PIP for around 1 month. How long do I need to keep spraying for mites, I spray twice a week?

I've never used those sprays, perhaps another member has - but in either case I'd suggest that this is a question for your vet as (s)he is the one who has examined Pip.

Realize that picking and scratching become habitual behaviors quite easily. Even if the mites are completely gone Pip will likely still bite/scratch himself for some time due to the habit.

It sounds like your on the right track though. If this much progress has been made in a month I think the best advice is to keep doing what you've been doing.

I would recommend regular follow-ups with the vet until they can verify that Pip is mite-free. Then you can focus on training and behavioral work if needed.

 

[TexDot33]

Molly,

How wonderful for you to step in and help Pip out of what sounds like a really bad situation ...

I have heard of mite issues with amazons, and I have seen once instance ... but the situation was resolved with creams/spray. I can not tell you the proper procedures, that is an question for your vet.

As for the pin feathers ... BATHS, BATHS AND MORE BATHS ... and then after the baths, you can sit with pip and "preen" those pin feathers for him/her ... gently take a pin feather and pinch it and roll it between your thumb and pointer finger and break it up for him. This is pure heaven for pip and can be a great bonding time for both of you.

Again, how wonderful of you to take an amazing bird out of a less than desirable situation ...

 

[Auggie's Dad]

gently take a pin feather and pinch it and roll it between your thumb and pointer finger and break it up for him. This is pure heaven for pip and can be a great bonding time for both of you.

You make it sound so easy.... hit that pin feather in the wrong way and pure heaven turns into two blood-curdling screams: one from the bird, then the other from the owner as they inspect to see if there's anything left of their finger.

Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit, but they do get touchy.

 

[TexDot33]

ADDENDUM: Look at the pin feather first ... if it's CLEAR WHITE then proceed as initially directed. IF you can see any BLACK in the feather, that's a blood feather, LEAVE IT ALONE!

Best way to tell ... if the feather has already started to crack and expose the feather underneath, then go ahead and work the rest of it out ...

 

[molly]

Thankyou for the advice but, I'm not sure I can handle Pip yet. He gets nervous & screams, so I give him his space. When I spray him, my g/f handles him, so Pip doesn't distrust ME. This poor little bird has been stressed out enough, so I don't want to stress him into plucking. I'm sure in time he will come to me, on his own terms, just like my older Amazon Baby, took me quite some time to be able to rub baby all over, even under his wings. And still he bit the hell outta me, when I bought Pip into the family. I know this is a jealousy thing though, so I comfort Baby & even though he bit me, I still rub his head & give him treats to reasure him everything is fine. Not sure Baby will settle with Pip though, everytime I fuss Pip, Baby scales the side of his cage tail fanned & eyes flashing.. This is so difficult for me, took me a long time to trust Baby after he bit me for no reason, time & time again. Just has we bonded along came Pip. I feel I have let Baby down but. Pip needed me, just like Baby did a few years back. Parrots are difficult pets but I will persevere..
I'll keep you all posted also get pics of both my birds..When I move house I might have to seperate them into different rooms, to interact with them, so there is no jealousy or threat of feeling left out. If ya'll have any thoughts on the matter, I sure would appreciate the input.

Thankyou everyone, this is a great help.

Molly.

 

[molly]

Hi Everyone. I just wanted to let you know, my new amazon PIP is doing great. Her feet have healed, all her mites have gone. I persisted with ointment to her feet & mite sprayed her reguarly. She has settled in just fine.
My other older Amazon aint too happy though, He started biting, due to jealousy. But, its all good, I am just taking it easy with him, he's such a sweetheart really.
I think he's getting used to PIP now, he was his ole self yesterday singing opera, he likes paverotti..lol.
I'll post pics soon, so you can see her feet, no toes but she does fine without them. She is so happy now she has a family..
Thanks..

Molly.

 

[antoinette]

Hi molly
Shame poor PiP, no bird should have to go thru all that.
Been following your progress daily, just reading thru it.
Wow you sure have been through a tough time, bleeding toes, mites etc.
It's wonderful to see how much PiP is settling in and adapting with the new family.
Amazing how love and attention can change a birds life style and attitude.
You doing a fantastic job.
Keep it up
Take care