to flock or not to flock? and what bird if so?!

[Marc.cheshire]

Hi

I am new here and have been reading up as much as I can about my CAG, Pepper.

We have a good relationship, she is never left in her cage when im home. But the problem is I work alot and I worry she craves entertainment and attention in the day, I try to surpress this by taking her into the shower in the mornings (she sits on top, wont get under the stream yet) and I push her cage up to the window so she can look outside when I'm in work. Her cage is 40"x40" and full of toys, but she still plucks her feathers (the top of her chest/bottom of neck).

I am aware she needs a vet check, which will happen asap, but assuming that gets an all clear (which I suspect it will) is the answer to the daytime problem another bird?

And if so, which one?

Amazons appear to be a little bity for me (my long term girlfriend has always been nervous of pepper, so this is a big thing, id like to build her confidence so she can help give the birds attention)

Id love a macaw, but I dont have the space for the cage, I would need a simular sized parrot to the CAG.

Conures apparently too loud?

Major mitchells cockatoo seems to be the best I can think of, but will the two birds be enough interaction with each other until I get home?



....help!

 

[weco]

You might want to try determining why your CAG is plucking, before bringing home another bird.

While boredom can be a plucking factor, there are many more reasons, from environment to dietary, to lack of humidity, to a medical condition.....it can also be that birds that have developed a habit of plucking, do so to give themselves a cheap high, in that they pluck for the euphoric feeling they get from the release of endorphins caused by the pain generated by the plucking and/or mutilation.....

How old is your bird? How long have you had it? Was it already plucking when you got it? Trying to figure out the cause of the plucking now, before any other birds are brought into the home, will be much easier than later.

As to what new species might be best, another grey or any of the 'too species is going to double your dust factor, but as far as one that would get along, that is totally up to the birds & the fact that your grey could always assume a new bird is replacing it and/or encroaching on its territory, exacerbating its plucking problem.....

While I've had from 1 to a dozen birds while working outside the country, for extended periods, over an 8 year period, I have never had a bird to pluck.....

 

[Marc.cheshire]

Thanks for the great reply!

Ive had her about 12 years, I believe shes 16 or so. She started plucking about 4 years ago when I moved out and she had to stay with my mother because my place was too small at the time for a cage.

I have started introducing alot more fruit and veg into the diet and her base pellets are of a high quality. So im pretty confident at the moment with that.

vet is on the cards asap to rule out anything underlying.

humidity is a good one. Its very low here, any tips to increase it?

 

[weco]

Thanks for the great reply!

Ive had her about 12 years, I believe shes 16 or so. She started plucking about 4 years ago when I moved out and she had to stay with my mother because my place was too small at the time for a cage.

I have started introducing alot more fruit and veg into the diet and her base pellets are of a high quality. So im pretty confident at the moment with that.

vet is on the cards asap to rule out anything underlying.

humidity is a good one. Its very low here, any tips to increase it?

While I don't know for sure, I would hazard a guess that she started because of the separation from you and possibly has progressed to becoming a habit.....you could talk to your vet about a collar & if you are changing her diet, along with increasing the humidity, you might be able to correct the plucking, but there is not an overnight solution.....

To increase the humidity level, you could use a mister or a vaporizer, operating near her cage.....just be sure to not let the water reservoir run dry and if you will be using a unit that has had any type of medication in it, be sure it is thoroughly cleaned to remove any residue medication.....

Good luck.....

 

[Marc.cheshire]

We share the same assumption on the cause and continuation of the plucking. Will try a vaporiser

Thanks again

 

[ShellyBorg]

To keep a Grey occupied you don't always need another bird. Spirit was a only bird for years. He loved his fish tank and he would watch TV, kids shows were his favorite. As long as there was something going on he was happy. If you really wanted another bird or two a couple parakeets can offer lots of entertainment. Now that I have a good size flock he wants NOTHING to do with any of them. When it comes right down to it they do nothing together and I can not trust any of them with each other if I am not right there to watch for toe biting.

 

[goalerjones]

One thing I have found is that Hahnzel doesnt prefer to be right in front of the window all day. It can stress him out, so consider that as well.

 

[Marc.cheshire]

Really? Mine loves the window... the window sill is one of his favourite places to sit. The sun shines at the front of the house to so its his only real way of getting any sunlight when the weather is cold.

see if you can spot him

I might get him his own little tv to go next to his cage... see if that works.

 

[faeryphoebe1]

In regard to the window thing, each parrot may be quite different in relation to their tolerance of it. My GCC and Sun love being near our living room window as well (they are in separate cages). They have become "guard parrots," lol.

Both of my little nosey fids like to watch the comings and goings in the neighborhood. In fact, whenever someone is taking a walk near our front yard or whenever anyone pulls up our driveway; the birds, along with our yorkie let us know. They are LOUD!

 

[Marc.cheshire]

Yep, mines a guard parrot too. I think he took after our dog who likes to bark through the window whenever anyone comes in sight of the house....

 

[Mayden]

Marc, (sorry presuming from your name is all) are you in Cheshire, UK?

If so, I have a fantastic vet recommendation (if you do not have one already!)

I think a MM2 would be a really bad idea. You said your gf was worried about biting... and that macaws are too loud? MM2s are large birds, needing a shed load of stimulation and interaction and have big beaks to match. I'd honestly say to go with a CAG, or with a 'more mellow' type Zon. The lilac crowned springs to mind but henpecked would probably be your go to go for asking about zon's.

But, a playmate may not be the solution. If you can provide stimulation for your CAG whilst you're away, in the form of radio/tv (childrens programs or nature seem to be big hits!) and rotating toys, including foraging toys and puzzles. That should keep your guy happy and busy whilst you're working.

 

[Marc.cheshire]

Really? My poor internet research on mm2's suggested they were about the same size as the grey. May have possibly been blinkered by their prettiness though....

This thread has helped me to decide that a playmate right now isnt the best solution for his feather plucking. Thats not to say in the future I won't get another bird as the idea continues to grow on me, so keep the suggestions coming! Hahns macaws look nice

ps. Picked up the humidifier today!

 

[Mayden]

Really? My poor internet research on mm2's suggested they were about the same size as the grey. May have possibly been blinkered by their prettiness though....

This thread has helped me to decide that a playmate right now isnt the best solution for his feather plucking. Thats not to say in the future I won't get another bird as the idea continues to grow on me, so keep the suggestions coming! Hahns macaws look nice

ps. Picked up the humidifier today!

They themselves arn't huge, but their cage needs are large

You didnt say if you were in Cheshire, but the vet is Richard (and Carli, the nurse) at Avian Veterinary Services (Gauntlet Birds of Prey) Knutsford. They're great

 

[Marc.cheshire]

Lol no. Cheshire is my surname

I went to a local vet who gave me a number to another vet local to me and also to a guy in swindon who apparently is one of the top aviary vets in thw country. Will be calling the local one for an appointment tomos.

but thanks anyway