Pacho plucking

[texsize]

My poor Pacho is plucking her feathers.
I believe it to be hormone related.
She is not bored and she is with her "mate" in the same cage.
The male bird "Plumas" is not paying any attention to her. In the past there has been mating but we have never had any eggs from her.
I would like to know more detailed info about aloe that I con put on the areas that she is plucking. I don't think an aloe based hand cream would be appropriate.
I don't want to put on something that would be toxic to her.
thanks for any suggestions.
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[henpecked]

I'm not familiar with hormonal plucking? What's that. What area is she plucking? Could it be a brood patch? Goggle brood patch and see if that's your issue. If you're are breeding then that's a good sign.

 

[texsize]

I think she is plucking her feathers due to a lack of attention from her male partner.
I have read that other female birds pluck feathers from under the wings as a way to sort of stimulate themselves.
Pacho has signs of plucking under her wings and a patch on her breast (see above photo).
Most of my birds enjoy playing in cardboard boxes. I have removed the box in Pacho/Plumas's cage in the hope of reducing any possible interest in making a nest.
I have never intentionally tried to breed these two birds, they just liked each other and groom each other and generally get along.
At this point I would just like a recommendation for something I can put on the areas she has been plucking.

 

[SailBoat]

Regarding just the aloe question, you're 100% correct that the hand cream base is not your best choice. That due to the additional 'oils' added to hand cream. If at all possible, obtain an aloe plant. If that is not the direction you want to go, visit a health food store and purchase an aloe product that is as near to 100% aloe that you can find.

FYI: Since there could also be a an underlining health issue, consider a visit to her Avian Vet.

 

[henpecked]

Yeah. Plucking in that area could be sign of a liver issues. How is her weight? Any change? BTW that's not a brood patch pluck.

 

[RavensGryf]

A good place to start would be with an exam by an avian vet with a blood panel. Here's a link to some info on plucking. Best of luck with Pacho. She's beautiful, I love the Red Lored's head color. http://www.parrotforums.com/behavioral/52217-plucking-search-answers.html

 

[BIRDIGIRL]

Hopefully you get good news when you visit your vet and that some solution to Pachos problem can be found. I know that I read somewhere that it is dangerous to put cream on a birds feathers or close to the feathers because if it should get on the feathers it can interfere with the natural insulation of the feathers ...Im no expert but I do remember reading that somewhere though it escapes me now where I read it. I wouldnt put any cream on Pacho until you hear what the Avian Vet prescribes.

 

[texsize]

Yes I have been considering a vet visit. Until recently I could not find a "avian" certified vet in my area but I think I have located one.
I have not measured her weight in the past but I have an accurate scale. I have not seen a change in her appetite but she has been doing something that I find unusual.
Recently she has been biting the bars of the cage.
She has toys she could be biting so I don't know why she does this to the bars. It looks more like a way to clean her beak but It seems odd.
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[RavensGryf]

I sent you a PM regarding avian vets I use. So Cal is a huge place and I'm not sure if the drive is feasible for you, but I have one in Central and South Orange County.

 

[texsize]

I live in the high desert area. Palmdale Lancaster area.
will check your PM when I get home from work, thanks
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[henpecked]

Yeah. I don't like the way you describe biting the bar. If you notice that as being unusual , then that's important. That is an action i have noticed in birds that are in pain, angry, etc. You need a better AV. IMO

 

[henpecked]

In zons that are feeling "not up to par", sick, injured, vulnerable, is the word. Will show a more "defensive" posture to offset their more vulnerable nature. Liver issue , read Vit A deficiency, is painful and causes both plucking and aggressive behaviors at onset. I'd ask a good AV his opinion.
Of course a few steamed sweet potatoes or carrots might help.

 

[texsize]

I have an apt. for tomorrow afternoon with a vet that is also a specialist in birds.
The vet that I had gone to in the past would take birds but were not specialist.
Plumas (the male bird) loves carrots Pacho won't eat them. I have never tried sweet potato's. They are more into apples and grapes. I will try sweet potato's soon as I can.

We put vitamin solution in there water that says it includes vitamin A.
thank you for your help I will continue to give updates.
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[henpecked]

Yeah. If you're using a vitamin supplement to their water,,, I'd make the AV knows that. That's not a good call, unless an AV recommends it. Too much of a "good thing" could hurt them. Variety of fresh foods might be a better choice. Ask your AV.

 

[ScooterMcTavish]

Noticed with carrots that Monty is pretty particular.

Raw, be it whole, sliced, or grated, Nope!

Cooked, be it whole, mashed, or sliced? YUP!

Maybe a nice warm cooked carrot might be something she'd like?

 

[henpecked]

Adding a small amount of butter to cooked veggies will also help getting them to eat them. Butter is high in VitA but also fat. Use just a little to get them started. Never met a zon who didn't crave butter.

 

[texsize]

after vet quick update

Got back from vet $360 poorer.
have to hit the sack soon so this is just a quick update.
1. blood test is in the works will get results Monday.
2. swabbed back of throat to check bacteria. found both good and bad bacteria. gave me anti-biotic.(I may need to treat Plumas also they eat and sleep in the same cage + groom each other)
3. overweight, put on Harrison coarse food.
4. heart and lungs sound good (beak in good working order too)
All of this was very stressful on my poor Pacho so we will wait and see how the blood work comes back.
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[RavensGryf]

Thanks for the update, and good luck on the blood results.

 

[henpecked]

Unfortunately that pretty true most of our pet zons. The secret I've found is fresh food and sprouts. :31:

 

[Anansi]

I hope the test results provide 5he answers you need to end Pacho's plucking.

Richard (Henpecked) makes a good point regarding possible vitamin A deficiency. What I've done to ensure that my birds eat their carrots is to grate them and mix them in with foods they love every day. That way, they have NO CHOICE but to take in a rich source of vitamin A each day.

I also chop their dandelion into tiny slivers for the same reason. (Rich in vitamins A and C) Some foods our parrots can afford to be all picky about. But some are too important for me to leave to the whims of their current tastes, you know?