Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!mailrus!ncar!ico!haddock!ima!cfisun!susans
From: susans@cfi.COM (susans)
Newsgroups: rec.birds
Subject: Re: cockatiel feather picking
Message-ID: <873@cfiprod.UUCP>
Date: 7 Aug 90 11:34:32 GMT
References: <1990Aug6.231106.4279@agate.berkeley.edu>
Reply-To: susans@cfiprod.UUCP (Susan Scheide -CFI-)
Organization: Consumer Financial Institute, Waltham, Mass.
Lines: 53

In article <1990Aug6.231106.4279@agate.berkeley.edu> boris@ocf.berkeley.edu (Boris Chen) writes:
>My Cockatiel seems to have a skin problem. He is pulling out feathers. Also,

	Boris:

	You seem pretty sure his feather plucking is due to illness,
	parasites, etc.  Having read a bunch of articles on
	neurotic feather plucking birds, I can suggest that since the
	vet has ELIMINATED parasites as a diagnosis, your bird is
	plucking out his own feathers due to some neurosis or just
	plain old boredom.

	Is his cage very small?  Did you recently move him from one
	cage to a new one?  If so, return him to the old cage right
	away.  It could be his new surroundings don't suit him.
	Do you have a new roommate?  Have you changed the location of
	his cage?  Taken away a favorite toy?  Given him a new
	toy that looks really fun to you?  If so, return his old toy,
	take away his new toy, move his cage back where it was, etc.

	Do you spend much time with him?  As a student, you may be
	so busy that you are not able to devote much time to him.
	Cockatiels are generally very gregarious birds, and if he's
	bored and/or lonely, he could be plucking his feathers out
	of frustration.

	If you don't have enough time to devote to him, I suggest finding
	someone who does.  Don't make the mistake of running out and
	buying him a "friend."  If you don't have adequate time for
	him  (and I'm only guessing), you won't have adequate time
	for two.

	Everything I have ever read tells me those bird sprays and
	shampoos are never necessary or recommended by bird breeders.
	I'm suprised the vet didn't tell you that.  A bird should be
	given the opportunity to bathe, or a light spritz with a
	plant mister, in plain water several times a week.  Nothing
	else is necessary.
	

>Also, I bought Feather Glo bird bath in attempts to
>releave skin irritation. It didn't help

	See above.


> 


-- 
                        Susan S. (susans@cfi.com)

                        Another Friend of Bill's