Nico’s Thread 😊

[saxguy64]

Unfortunately, Nico has learned how to undo the velcro on his hoodie, and he can now get it off immediately. He is a smart ekkie

Oh, frustrating for sure! Yep, they really are smart though

 

[Birdgirl24]

I heard somewhere preening toys can be good for birds that like to pluck because they can pull the stuff outta the toys opposed to their own feathers.

 

[kme3388]

Don't leave it on overnight, too much of a risk. Try to keep him near a heat source, plucked birds can get cold. Ignore it sometimes, like if he tries to get you and you don't come and he starts plucking, but if he's just plucking randomly, you can give attention.

The most important thing to do when he plucks is redirection, with training or a game, something positive that isn't a reward.

Ok, I have to ask... It shows that you had an american robin as a pet. We have wild ones here. They love to eat worms, and bugs. They love the rain! How are they as a pet? I just have never thought they could be a pet.

 

[kme3388]

I made Nico chop tonight.

Ingredients:
Cauliflower
Carrot
Broccoli
Sweet potato
Red pepper
Yellow pepper
Celery
Butternut squash

I left out the pasta, corn, beans, popcorn kernels (boiled), and rice.

Wish me luck!!! as more then likely I will have to add some of the more starchy/carbs back into Nico’s chop.

 

[kme3388]

We are all moved into the new house. Nico did great on the move. Same with my conure Kiwi. They have an upcoming vet appointment on March 2nd. That's when I'll find out if Kiwi is a boy, or girl. I am not completely setup in my new house yet. Once I am I'll post some photos of Nico, and Kiwi.

 

[kme3388]

Nico is window peeping, and keeping a good eye on all of the neighbors in the new house. He needs to get paid! he’s all moved into the new house, and has stopped scissoring his feathers for now.

 

[kme3388]

Nico is refusing to come out of his shower. He pushes my hand away when I try to get him to step up. This is how my morning is going! I have a big baby Ekkie arguing with me

 

[Deleted member 42416]

Nico is refusing to come out of his shower. He pushes my hand away when I try to get him to step up. This is how my morning is going! I have a big baby Ekkie arguing with me

Awwwwww…so cute!

 

[Terry57]

Nico is beautiful! I love all birds, but pluckers are so close to my heart.
My Ekkie also enjoys a good bath, and is only finished when HE says he's finished.
He had always barbered his feathers before we got him, but then he had finally stopped doing that. We moved, and he moved on to plucking. It goes in phases with him, but he also hates his tail feathers now most of all.

 

[saxguy64]

Haha, mine do the same thing! Even after I turn off the water and get myself out, they prefer to stay in there any jibber jabber while I go get dressed.

Nico is such a handsome boy! I'm with Terry on this, I have a special place in my heart for the pluckers.

 

[Cottonoid]

So adorable! I love the look on his face too - he knows he won that round!

 

[kme3388]

Nico has had a very bad day. He won’t leave his new tail feathers that are growing in alone. There are some graphic photos that I’ve attached so everyone can get a good idea of how bad Nico’s struggles can be. Once he gets his tail feathers out, and it causes bleeding he starts self mutilating. I’m hoping with time, and patience that he can overcome this. If not I love him the same.

Yes, his vet has been contacted. We are just waiting to hear back.

 

[Deleted member 42416]

Oh kme,

I am so sorry. You are doing such an amazing job with him. I know that heart drop feeling when it relapses. Rico just had a relapse after a ton of company and vet visit . We aren’t sure which triggered it. He loves people, but I think it is getting to know someone and them leaving which triggered it. And he hates getting his quarterly vet nail trim.

Kme, it can be an incredible emotional strain for parronts of pluckers&mutilators. It is so important to take care of our own mental health too. I wanted to cry when I saw what Nico had done…I know how much you cherish all the good days and new feather growth.

I truly admire your strength and soul. Just know God is with you!

 

[kme3388]

Oh kme,

I am so sorry. You are doing such an amazing job with him. I know that heart drop feeling when it relapses. Rico just had a relapse after a ton of company and vet visit . We aren’t sure which triggered it. He loves people, but I think it is getting to know someone and them leaving which triggered it. And he hates getting his quarterly vet nail trim.

Kme, it can be an incredible emotional strain for parronts of pluckers&mutilators. It is so important to take care of our own mental health too. I wanted to cry when I saw what Nico had done…I know how much you cherish all the good days and new feather growth.

I truly admire your strength and soul. Just know God is with you!

Thank you so much for your kind words. You do know what it's like to take on birds with health issues. It can be stressful. I feel awful because I had to collar him (soft collar), and I made the choice. I know that some are 100% against it. I didn't make that choice very easily. It's one thing if he were plucking out a chest feather, and there was no bleeding. If he is pulling out his flight feathers, and tail feathers it's making him bleed (leaving a large hole draining). Then he starts to self mutilate, and making things worse as he won't leave his wound alone. I don't want him to get an infection. This is the very first molting him, and I are going through together. I'm hoping things calm down in the next 5-7 days. I have to let him heal before pulling off his soft collar.

 

[Cottonoid]

I'm so sorry this relapse is a bad one

I've been following your thread and I'm really grateful you're sharing all the sides of Nico's story, and the photos. Sending love to you both.

 

[StormyPica]

Ok, I have to ask... It shows that you had an american robin as a pet. We have wild ones here. They love to eat worms, and bugs. They love the rain! How are they as a pet? I just have never thought they could be a pet.

It's actually illegal to have a pet robin in many places, including here. After she was diagnosed with severe epilepsy, and given only a month or two to live, I was legally allowed to keep her. I loved her and I wish she could be in the wild right now

 

[kme3388]

Nico’s soft collar (cone of shame)

 

[BirdyBee]

"Ohhh the dreaded cone of shame, how dare you put it on me???"

I hope Nico's plucking and self mutilation will get better soon! Prayers!

 

[Deleted member 42416]

Nico’s soft collar (cone of shame)

Oh so soft and cute! Many prayers for speedy recovery and no more mutilation!

 

[kme3388]

This is Nico’s pluck no more. We’ve only done this now for 2 days. I hope with time it helps. If anyone has tried this King’s Cage pluck no more please let us all know if it worked for you.

We are also doing some gut flora for Nico’s digestive system. I hope this helps keep him healthy.