wing flip

[coopedup]

Looking for some input on this...not sure what to think. Wrangler has an intermittent wing flip--one wing only. It isnt constant, and there is no toe tapping at all. He usually displays it when he's settling in to nap or sleep, or during sleep, but not during the day when he's active. Also that wing often is held or hangs slightly lower on his body. When I adopted him he had a lot of missing feathers, but now after 6 months most of his primaries are in but he still has a pronounced gap in his wing feathers on one wing.

And since he had another feather-fest recently and plucked out most of his green body feathers (left the down coat for the most part) he isnt as well protected against the cold nights so I have moved him upstairs and he sometimes sleeps with me. When he starts sneezing I bring him into bed and let him snuggle under my chin--and the twitch begins again as he dozes off. Probably not a good idea for me to encourage this, and my husband has banned him from the bed--so any ideas how to provide a warmer environment for him? I have a small bird heater which I havent installed yet--is it enough? Are space heaters in the room a good/bad idea? Do they emit any fumes or toxins?
THanks for the input

Janet and Wrangler

 

[GaleriaGila]

Here is a thread that has loads of information.
I expect you'll hear directly from others as well.

http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/53331-extreme-toe-tapping-wing-flipping.html

 

[coopedup]

Thanks for the thread Ive done a lot of reading and Im not sure it's food/diet related because of how time/activvivty specific it is--but then again, thats why im asking for input since Im new to all this!
He's still very hormonal---hump bunny gets a workout several times a day, some days more than others. This week has been particularly bad for some reason, more trying to feed my hand, etc. Could be that Ive been working more and we arent outside as much because of the early dark and cooler weather. Also, he lets me handle him under the covers...I can scritch his head, put both hands on his body and lift/move him--things Mr. DONT TOUCH MY FEATHERS wont allow during the day. During daytime I can touch beak,feet, and get consistant step up...but no handling of the body.

 

[Kentuckienne]

Looking for some input on this...not sure what to think. Wrangler has an intermittent wing flip--one wing only. It isnt constant, and there is no toe tapping at all. He usually displays it when he's settling in to nap or sleep, or during sleep, but not during the day when he's active. Also that wing often is held or hangs slightly lower on his body. When I adopted him he had a lot of missing feathers, but now after 6 months most of his primaries are in but he still has a pronounced gap in his wing feathers on one wing.

And since he had another feather-fest recently and plucked out most of his green body feathers (left the down coat for the most part) he isnt as well protected against the cold nights so I have moved him upstairs and he sometimes sleeps with me. When he starts sneezing I bring him into bed and let him snuggle under my chin--and the twitch begins again as he dozes off. Probably not a good idea for me to encourage this, and my husband has banned him from the bed--so any ideas how to provide a warmer environment for him? I have a small bird heater which I havent installed yet--is it enough? Are space heaters in the room a good/bad idea? Do they emit any fumes or toxins?
THanks for the input

Janet and Wrangler

The flat cage heaters are good, they don't get overly warm and the bird can choose how close to sit. I used a heated perch in the past also that the bird really liked, again they can choose to sit there or elsewhere.

Space heaters can be dangerous. Some have Teflon type materials that volatilize and kill the bird. You might be able to call the manufacturer to find out if that's a risk, or maybe there are some recommended ones here, I haven't searched. Would an older heater be safer? And the kerosene heaters are right out! The oil-filled heaters are probably safe, but they don't heat very well - they heat the area right around the heater, so that might work for birds.

 

[SailBoat]

If the 'Wing Flip' and the missing (gap) Primary Feathers are on the same Wing. The gap may be causing the need to flap that wing.

The plucking of body feathers is of concern. If you are not working with your Avian Vet regarding this issue, please make an appoint ASAP.

Great advise of the flat heater!

 

[Anansi]

The link Abigail provided is great for checking into possible dietary causes of wing flipping. As Steven suggested, the plucking of wing feathers could very well be connected to the wing-flipping condition in that particular wing. Whether it be the gap in feathers, or a nerve sensation issue that is leading him to bite at that wing and flip it in an attempt to find comfort. Either way, you should look to take him in to see an avian vet just in case.

Also, here is a thread I put up to make everyone aware of another possible cause: http://www.parrotforums.com/eclectus/61889-okay-let-s-talk-abv-pdd-toe-tapping.html