lovebirds bare neck

[denisedag]

[FONT=Arial]undefined[/FONT I inherited a lovebird that I believe is at least 5 years old. She still lays eggs. She is always biting on her neck and it is bare. When it does grow back it looks like little "darts" and she plucks them out as well. The pet shop had no explaination nor could they explain the dart looking clumps of feathers that grow back. Any ideas anyone?

[Lydia]

Sounds like she's plucking her feathers around her neck. This can be quite a common problem for lovebirds. Those "darts" you see are the new feathers coming through the skin. When they first come out of the skin, they are tightly wrapped up, and covered in a waxy substance. Normally, the feather will start to unravel, and the bird will preen to remove this covering. Some birds, however, will (for any number of reasons) pluck these featehrs out of thier own skin. Sometimes it's caused by health issues and sometimes it's a psychological thing. In any case, your best bet is to go to a vet who is experienced in avian medicine (I'm sure that lots of people here will have links to lists of such vets in your area) and check to see if she is having a physical problem first.

Also, you'll want to do any research you can about "feather plucking" as this problem can get progressively worse over time. Has she been doing this for a long time? Sometimes if a bird receives intervention it can be slowed or even reversed. My lovebird, Piper, has some similar problems with plucking around his neck and shoulders; although not to the extent that he's bald in these areas. My avian specialist gave me some easy to follow ideas to help him out; 1) Make sure that your lovebird has a HIGH QUALITY, NUTRITIOUS diet. This will not always mean going to the pet store and getting the easiest to find food. Often the most easily available blends aren't necessarily the best. Also, make sure that your lovebird has both a seed mix, as well as a pellet. Roudybush and Harrison's are two of the best. We use Roudybush at Greyhaven (exotic bird sanctuary), but Piper hates the stuff. He will eat Harrison's though - so I give him that. Also, make sure that she has a daily supply of fresh veggies and fruits to supplement her diet. As always, avoid avacado. My vet suggested gently soaking some organic green tea in Piper's drinking water before giving it to him, as the anti-oxidents can help. 2) Make sure that she can regularly bathe. As you get to know your lovebird, you'll find out her bathing style. Some birds like to be misted gently with water (ie - from a spray bottle), some like to bathe in a dish or bowl of standing water. Piper LOVES to run around in the sink when the water is gently running. My vet suggested adding some organic chamomile tea to his bathing water, as it will have a soothing effect on the skin. Her skin will most likely be aggravated by the plucking, so you need to watch it carefully to ensure that she's not bleeding or getting infected. 3) Observe her environment. Sometimes birds will pluck more or less depending on stress or environmental factors. Check things out like other pets in the home, the location of the cage in the home/room, noise and light, etc. Also, birds will have natural molting cylces - where they will naturally lose old feathers and gain new ones. Piper's plucking will get worse during these times, so I make an effort to do everything I can to help soothe him during these stressful and uncomfortable times. Just imagine how much fun it must be - painful itchy little "darts" poking out all over your skin - then you'll get a better idea as to why our little babies can get so distressed over it all!

So in conclusion to my WAY too long essay here - go to a vet, do your research, and observe your bird's disposition and behaviour! Good luck! :)

[denisedag]

Lydia, your information was very good. Like I said I inherited this lovebird. She is mean as the dickens and I am trying my best to bond with her but she does BITE! I have tried everything and every way in the world to get her to eat something besides seed but she runs from everything except jelly. She does pluck out the new feathers that look like darts for some reason. Don't know if they itch coming in or what but thanks so much for your info. Denise

[Lydia]

Well good for you for your efforts! Don't forget that parrots (which lovebirds are) are very psychological creatures and "remember" a LOT! You may have to un-train her of old, bad habits and into new, better ones! One trick which worked really well with Piper was that after she's more hand-tamed, talk to her about food. For example, if you have a peice of fresh broccoli (and this is a food you want her to start eating), eat it in front of her. Ohh! and Ahh! about how TASTY this food is and how much you LOVE it and how of COURSE she couldn't have any... you don't want to share!!! Lovies are like toddlers. Mineminemineminemine! If you have something and they can't have it - they want it! Another idea is to put the food that she does like in the bottom of a dish and cover it in the "good" stuff which she doesn't like. This will force her to have to dig through it... and can help her to actually start eating more.

The feathers may be quite uncomfy as they're coming in, and this is why doing things like increasing the Omega-3 oils in her diet, allowing lots of opportunities for bathing, etc. can help ease the discomfort. For sure, though, look for an avian vet in your area. They are the best ones to speak to, as your primary concern should be making sure that she's not sick with something else which is causing her to react by plucking. Feather plucking can be a progressive thing, so if you can nip it in t6he bud through good vet care, better diet, etc. then you may be able to reverse or soothe the problem. This could also help with her temperment... which I'm sure would make both of you happier! Best of luck! :)

[toymaker]

Lydia gave excellent advise. Keep trying to bond they are worth it.

[Poffy]

This is my first time on here. The reason I chose you is because my situation is similar. My Latino is 15 years old. She has pulled her tail feathers till she is sore. My question is: is there a home remedy I can use till I can get her to the vet tomorrow. She won't come up from the bottom of the cage so I am worried she won't drink. I know she needs water. :(

[birdbeak]

your lovebird is doing this because your not spending time with it

[crazeemama]

the only reason birds pluck! THere are almost as many reasons as there are feather plucking birds. That is why a vet check is important. It could be a bacterial infection, mites, feather mites that live in the shaft of the feather, injury in the area being plucked.When the problem is around the neck, it pays to check for air sac rupture,and air sac mites. Only a vet can rule out many of these problems.
Bathing is a very important part of the birds day. whether it with a spray bottle, or in the sink, the wetter the feathers the better. It takes alot of time and energy to preen all of the feathers instead of just overpreening the feathers in one area. A drenching shower is the first line of defense with plucking. New toys and/or changing the place of existing toys is also worthwhile. A bird alone in a cage with no toys, or toys she doesn't play with is another issue. Alot of time they play with their feathers in destructive ways. Food 'toys' are one way to get a bird interested in fresh fruits and veggies.Try different dices, etc to find what your bird perfers.
I start seed eaters with 25 percent pellets to 75 percent seed. (for loves I use the little parakeet pellets in a natural color as they look more like seed). Don't get discouraged if she tosses them out, at this point she is learning to associate them with *food*. It could take many weeks or months until you actually notice her eating one. just keep at it. Once she is eating them increase the pellets an additional 25 percent while decreasing the seed the same. My Loves are at a 75 percent pellet 25 percent seed mix. They also get fruit and veggies diced verysmall or shredded. Sprouted teff and alfalfa seeds are a big hit as well.
As for taming down any bird, I use the speak softly, walk slowly ane bribe heavily methodology. Millet is preferred by most loves as a treat.
Good Luck!

[krazy4birds]

WOW again! hahahahaha.... between Lydia and crazeemama.....that is some EXCELLANT advice. And I agree with crazeemama....not spending enough time with your bird is not the sole reason for feather picking. I love ALL birds and believe me if spending more time with a bird would solve feather picking...I would have no worries!