posted 08-09-2002 08:38 AM           

---

Today I noticed that she is puling out her blood feathers. Is there a reason why she is doing this? I gave her a bath in my bathroom sink. I thought that maybe her skin is dry. Any suggestions? Anything would be helpful. Thanks.

IP: Logged

posted 08-09-2002 08:39 AM           

---

Cockatiels don't usually exhibbit feather picking or self-mutilation behavior. Your bird may be infested with mites or fleas whether or not you can see them. There are many products on the market to control these parasites. If this doesn't stop the behavior, take the bird to an avian vet. This behavior must be stopped before secondary infections could set in.

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 10
From:CA, USA
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 12-12-2002 07:42 PM         

---

I have had a cocatiel for 11 1/2 years, and he has been a plucker for the last 6 years. I took him to vets and he had on a neck brace so he couldn't pluck anymore. I tell you as soon as we took off the brace we were right back to square one. It ended up that it was just his nervous habit. when he had that brace on he was miserable, he looked sad, unhappy, and most of all angry. You could go to the vet to make sure he doesn't have mites or something-but if he comes clean of that, then he probably yhas the same thing as my bird. My bird has been a feather plucker for a long time now, but he is as healthy as any other bird.
Good luck

IP: Logged

Member

Posts: 33
From:
Registered: Dec 2002

posted 12-14-2002 09:51 PM         

---

Maybe she is bored.

IP: Logged

posted 12-20-2002 10:37 PM           

---

Hey, I had a cockatiel for 15 years (he just died this past Monday, Dec. 16) He started plucking his feathers out when he was about 7. We took him to the vet and he tried everything and we decided that it was just a nervous habit. If he/she doesn't have a toy bird in his/her cage, get one. Stoney (mine) sometimes got frustrtated enough that he would just beat his bird up. And then sometimes he would be nice to it. We put it in the box that we buried him in.
Anyway, sorry if this is depressing, but I hope it was helpful!

IP: Logged

All times are ET (US)