anyone know about birds

[tony19]

So my gf has a sun conure, And he has a spot on his wing that has no feathers and you can see flesh. Its not a big spot but im a little worried. She doesn't take her out every day and when she does its not for long Some times she will take her out for an hr or so.

She used to take her out on a daily bases and we used to play with her when all the time. Unfortunately I don't live with her. So I can't always be around to take him out, And when I'm around most of the time its his bed time. But I had him out today, and saw this. I have noticed it in the past but it wasn't this bad. I'm wondering if its just because she doesn't bring him out all the time. So he's pulling feathers. It doesn't seem to hurt him.

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag130/goodrack20/20140126_205637_zpse845d400.jpg
http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag130/goodrack20/2014-01-26235703_zps57cf86ce.jpg

 

[Decadancin]

In my experience the birds will pull out the feathers at the base of the tail and under the wings (especially the down feathers) and you will see bald patches of skin when the wings are extended. Those pictures look almost like the feathers were damaged against the side of the cage, but its tough to tell. Either way, they do need socialization and will become generally self destructive if they don't get what they need. (I only have experience with cockatiels, cockatoos, parrots, finches, but not sun conures, (yet???) )

 

[tony19]

In my experience the birds will pull out the feathers at the base of the tail and under the wings (especially the down feathers) and you will see bald patches of skin when the wings are extended. Those pictures look almost like the feathers were damaged against the side of the cage, but its tough to tell. Either way, they do need socialization and will become generally self destructive if they don't get what they need. (I only have experience with cockatiels, cockatoos, parrots, finches, but not sun conures, (yet???) )

I love cockatoos, and parrot

I tell her that all the time. She used to be vary good with him, but not so much. The good thing is I'm starting to get her to spend more time with him again. Unfortunately I'm not here all the time cause we don't live together, and I have to work most days so I don't get over there till night time. By then he's in bed, and I don't get to see him a lot. I'm just a little worried about him.

 

[Decadancin]

They are such awesome birds, but do need some attention. I don't know if conures get nasty like most parrots will if ignored for a while.

 

[Kath44]

Has he got toys in his cage? Maybe provide more so he can chew them and not his feathers.
Some do it because of stress. He may also enjoy a spray/mist everyday. Mine used to like that.
I know some enjoy a good shower too. Obviously not too hot or directly on them.
Mine used to choose to take a bath in his freshly washed out and filled water dish :/
Kath.

 

[Carlton]

http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag130/goodrack20/20140126_205637_zpse845d400.jpg[/url]
http://i1302.photobucket.com/albums/ag130/goodrack20/2014-01-26235703_zps57cf86ce.jpg

Her bird was used to lots of daily attention and is now getting less for whatever reason. The novelty has worn off? Less time at home? The bird isn't as nice or as cute as it used to be? Of course the bird doesn't understand why it's no longer the center of attention, and because it's a very social creature who basically replaces a mate with a human, its frustrated, bored, and possibly depressed. I would bet it is also getting noisier, begging for attention. Feather plucking can go from a casual habit to an uncontrollable obsession, so don't wait to deal with this. It WILL hurt once the feather follicles and skin gets damaged. If the bird happens to chew a blood feather it could even bleed to death! The longer the bird plucks the harder the habit is to break. This poor bird either needs more one-on-one attention from her owner again, more cage space with more to occupy her time (puzzle toys, shreddable toys, foot foods), someone to "talk" with (radio, tv), or someone to take the place of her owner who is losing interest. Such a commonly sad reality for many pet parrots. Rescues are full of plucked miserable birds who started off like this.

 

[midnightgallop]

I agree with Davadancin and kath44. Toys and increase in showers and spraying (he may be dry and itchy). You can even buy special moisturizing sprays for them. I mix 100% natural aloe vera juice into some water in a spray bottle for my 'zon because he is around 38 yesrs old or so and dries out with age especially during winter.

Also little trick here I learned through books: feather snapping often goes unnoticed at first. You can tell if s bird just damaged a feather or if it is snapping if you see small "V" shaped cut outs on the end of a feather. This is different than plucking which involves the entire shaft of the feather and even the grey down.

I cant tell from the picture because it could be damage from rough play but you can keep an eye on it. If it is feather snapping, definitely increas the toys and rotate them weekly to keep him interested...especially ones that he shred and destroy and also ones he can preen (which is a social behavior). Cheap fun ideas I use for my amazon for the preening since he feather snaps are colorful plastic straws thst I cut to splay the edges or to split it just enough to form little strips that are size appropiate that connect in the middle or are tied in the middle to look like s little straw broom.

For destruction and foraging....simple as a toilet paper tube stuffed with seed with computer paper or receipt paper stuffed into it so he has to forage and rip it apart to get the treats (seeds). Or a clear plastic clean dunkin donuts cup stuffed with toys, crinkled paper or paper strips with some taste nuts inside.....pop the cover on and he will figure it out.

Also a clean, sort of clear 1 week pill sorter can have treats store in them so that he has to open the cover to get to them

 

[midnightgallop]

Good luck with your little guy My amazon is a severe case so just keep that in mind lol

 

[Seakit]

There can be a host of reasons why he is feather picking. If he is sexual mature they feather pick. Mature birds usually pick at their chest area. If he contiunes to do this he will damage the feather follicles and they won't go back.

I had proven pair of cockatoos, and the males chest area was bald and never grew feathers. He was like that when I got them. They were WC and could only be handled with welding gloves on. Trust me their bite was still felt with gloves on!
Also I had a 18 year old green wing macaw WC, who was had a bald chest till I found him a mate. His chest feathers didn't come back because the other 3 owners never did anything to stop him and the damage was done. The only person that could handle Mac was my daughter. She was 9 years old at the time. Mac loved her like she was his mate. If I was lucky Mac would let me handle him, but I never trusted him being on me.

One night we were watching TV and Jen was laying on the floor with Mac. And he tried to feed her. I started teasing Jen about it and she told Mac to attack me. Well he did. He walk across the room as fast as he could wings out, and had that look in his eyes that would kill. He got up on the couch and started biting me! All I could do was cover up my face. Jen pulled him off me! I had holes in my shirt and my body! Trust me its no fun being attacked by the second largest parrot in the world!!! Sorry I had to tell that that story.

Google feather picking and you will find some good reading on the subject. If you can figure out why he is feather picking you stand a good chance of correcting the problem before real damage is done.

Steve

 

[Carlton]

For destruction and foraging....simple as a toilet paper tube stuffed with seed with computer paper or receipt paper stuffed into it so he has to forage and rip it apart to get the treats (seeds).

Be careful with TP paper cores. Some manufacturers use toxic glues. You might check a parrot website to see if anyone suggests safe brands.

 

[midnightgallop]

I don't have tp rolls with glue but good idea I know paper towel rolls have glues

 

[tony19]

They are such awesome birds, but do need some attention. I don't know if conures get nasty like most parrots will if ignored for a while.

I've always wanted one but sadly right now I just don't have time to to give enough attention to one.

Has he got toys in his cage? Maybe provide more so he can chew them and not his feathers.
Some do it because of stress. He may also enjoy a spray/mist everyday. Mine used to like that.
I know some enjoy a good shower too. Obviously not too hot or directly on them.
Mine used to choose to take a bath in his freshly washed out and filled water dish :/
Kath.

mango does not like showers lol my hands will show you lol and it hurts. He does how ever love when you use worm water and put him under the tap lol and I got him a boil he can stand on or in and bath I fill it up a few times a week and he likes that.

Her bird was used to lots of daily attention and is now getting less for whatever reason. The novelty has worn off? Less time at home? The bird isn't as nice or as cute as it used to be? Of course the bird doesn't understand why it's no longer the center of attention, and because it's a very social creature who basically replaces a mate with a human, its frustrated, bored, and possibly depressed. I would bet it is also getting noisier, begging for attention. Feather plucking can go from a casual habit to an uncontrollable obsession, so don't wait to deal with this. It WILL hurt once the feather follicles and skin gets damaged. If the bird happens to chew a blood feather it could even bleed to death! The longer the bird plucks the harder the habit is to break. This poor bird either needs more one-on-one attention from her owner again, more cage space with more to occupy her time (puzzle toys, shreddable toys, foot foods), someone to "talk" with (radio, tv), or someone to take the place of her owner who is losing interest. Such a commonly sad reality for many pet parrots. Rescues are full of plucked miserable birds who started off like this.

I ask her all the time if she doesn't like him any more....or doesn't have time.... she says she loves him, and spends lots of time with him. And takes him out before she leaves in the morning. But when ever im there and he's up I ask if she's gonna take him out and all I get is im busy. It has got to the point were I have to fight with her to take him out.

When im there an I go see him he comes to the cage but if I am putting him to bed I will pet him through the cage but he will bite me. He has gotten vary mean. We broke him of his biting habbit when she first got him and no its back. He used be by so nice and love to stand on my head and preen me. Not anymore.

I agree with Davadancin and kath44. Toys and increase in showers and spraying (he may be dry and itchy). You can even buy special moisturizing sprays for them. I mix 100% natural aloe vera juice into some water in a spray bottle for my 'zon because he is around 38 yesrs old or so and dries out with age especially during winter.

Also little trick here I learned through books: feather snapping often goes unnoticed at first. You can tell if s bird just damaged a feather or if it is snapping if you see small "V" shaped cut outs on the end of a feather. This is different than plucking which involves the entire shaft of the feather and even the grey down.

I cant tell from the picture because it could be damage from rough play but you can keep an eye on it. If it is feather snapping, definitely increas the toys and rotate them weekly to keep him interested...especially ones that he shred and destroy and also ones he can preen (which is a social behavior). Cheap fun ideas I use for my amazon for the preening since he feather snaps are colorful plastic straws thst I cut to splay the edges or to split it just enough to form little strips that are size appropiate that connect in the middle or are tied in the middle to look like s little straw broom.

For destruction and foraging....simple as a toilet paper tube stuffed with seed with computer paper or receipt paper stuffed into it so he has to forage and rip it apart to get the treats (seeds). Or a clear plastic clean dunkin donuts cup stuffed with toys, crinkled paper or paper strips with some taste nuts inside.....pop the cover on and he will figure it out.

Also a clean, sort of clear 1 week pill sorter can have treats store in them so that he has to open the cover to get to them

he's vary hard to get to play with something new. He's scared of everything lol. It takes a week or 2 too get him to play with new things lol. But I will try some of those things you said

There can be a host of reasons why he is feather picking. If he is sexual mature they feather pick. Mature birds usually pick at their chest area. If he contiunes to do this he will damage the feather follicles and they won't go back.

I had proven pair of cockatoos, and the males chest area was bald and never grew feathers. He was like that when I got them. They were WC and could only be handled with welding gloves on. Trust me their bite was still felt with gloves on!
Also I had a 18 year old green wing macaw WC, who was had a bald chest till I found him a mate. His chest feathers didn't come back because the other 3 owners never did anything to stop him and the damage was done. The only person that could handle Mac was my daughter. She was 9 years old at the time. Mac loved her like she was his mate. If I was lucky Mac would let me handle him, but I never trusted him being on me.

One night we were watching TV and Jen was laying on the floor with Mac. And he tried to feed her. I started teasing Jen about it and she told Mac to attack me. Well he did. He walk across the room as fast as he could wings out, and had that look in his eyes that would kill. He got up on the couch and started biting me! All I could do was cover up my face. Jen pulled him off me! I had holes in my shirt and my body! Trust me its no fun being attacked by the second largest parrot in the world!!! Sorry I had to tell that that story.

Google feather picking and you will find some good reading on the subject. If you can figure out why he is feather picking you stand a good chance of correcting the problem before real damage is done.

Steve

he is only picking in the one spot. But I will do some research

 

[tony19]

Maybe if I show her what you guys are saying she will take him out more again. I think what Carlton said about the novelty has worn off may have something to do with it, Or she just need to get back in to a routine. Its just sad cause I love this little guy and he used to be so nice now he's just so mean. I've even suggested he comes to live with me for awhile it was a no go. I have the day off so I'm gonna make my way over there and show her this thread.

 

[midnightgallop]

Getting a parrot to play with something new CAN be an issue for a lot of parrots. It's ok if it takes 2 weeks for him to play with new toys...just the process of introduction will eventually peak his inferest.

Take your new toy and set it across the room for a few days....then every few days move it closer and closer to his cage until he is used to it and finally put it on top of his cage or right next to it where he can touch it through the bars. Then put it in the cage. Another option is to play with the new yourself (pic at it...toss it gently or just flip it around in your fingers and make happy noises) in front of the bird because they can learn by modeling behavior. If he looks comfy....offer him to play. If he seems scared...continue having fun with it.

Parrots want what YOU have. You can also play a game where u offer it...and when he tries to take it...take it away and you play with it and repeat process until he can't help.himself and wants to play with it. Some birds respond to this some don't. It works with food too like veggies if they don't want to eat veggies.

I highly recommend "The Second Hand Parrot" as a good read on things like toy intros and plucking/behavioral problems. I think it's a must read even for new parrot owners with baby birds from breeders.

I had this problem with my amazon rescue (the one I mentioned) and using this method got him gradually used to toy intorduction where I didn't have to be so extreme about it anymore. It can be done.

Good luck! I know you mean well by him

 

[tony19]

Getting a parrot to play with something new CAN be an issue for a lot of parrots. It's ok if it takes 2 weeks for him to play with new toys...just the process of introduction will eventually peak his inferest.

Take your new toy and set it across the room for a few days....then every few days move it closer and closer to his cage until he is used to it and finally put it on top of his cage or right next to it where he can touch it through the bars. Then put it in the cage. Another option is to play with the new yourself (pic at it...toss it gently or just flip it around in your fingers and make happy noises) in front of the bird because they can learn by modeling behavior. If he looks comfy....offer him to play. If he seems scared...continue having fun with it.

Parrots want what YOU have. You can also play a game where u offer it...and when he tries to take it...take it away and you play with it and repeat process until he can't help.himself and wants to play with it. Some birds respond to this some don't. It works with food too like veggies if they don't want to eat veggies.

I highly recommend "The Second Hand Parrot" as a good read on things like toy intros and plucking/behavioral problems. I think it's a must read even for new parrot owners with baby birds from breeders.

I had this problem with my amazon rescue (the one I mentioned) and using this method got him gradually used to toy intorduction where I didn't have to be so extreme about it anymore. It can be done.

Good luck! I know you mean well by him

thank you for the info. I will try this, And get the gf to start trying it to. And I will give that book a read. Hopefully I can get that spark with her bird going again. Thanks for yours and everyone else help

 

[Carlton]

Getting a parrot to play with something new CAN be an issue for a lot of parrots. It's ok if it takes 2 weeks for him to play with new toys...just the process of introduction will eventually peak his inferest.

Take your new toy and set it across the room for a few days....then every few days move it closer and closer to his cage until he is used to it and finally put it on top of his cage or right next to it where he can touch it through the bars. Then put it in the cage. Another option is to play with the new yourself (pic at it...toss it gently or just flip it around in your fingers and make happy noises) in front of the bird because they can learn by modeling behavior. If he looks comfy....offer him to play. If he seems scared...continue having fun with it.

Parrots want what YOU have. You can also play a game where u offer it...and when he tries to take it...take it away and you play with it and repeat process until he can't help.himself and wants to play with it. Some birds respond to this some don't. It works with food too like veggies if they don't want to eat veggies.

I highly recommend "The Second Hand Parrot" as a good read on things like toy intros and plucking/behavioral problems. I think it's a must read even for new parrot owners with baby birds from breeders.

I had this problem with my amazon rescue (the one I mentioned) and using this method got him gradually used to toy intorduction where I didn't have to be so extreme about it anymore. It can be done.

Good luck! I know you mean well by him

Yes, Second Hand Parrot is an EXCELLENT read!

 

[Carlton]

Maybe if I show her what you guys are saying she will take him out more again. I think what Carlton said about the novelty has worn off may have something to do with it, Or she just need to get back in to a routine. Its just sad cause I love this little guy and he used to be so nice now he's just so mean. I've even suggested he comes to live with me for awhile it was a no go. I have the day off so I'm gonna make my way over there and show her this thread.

The sad thing is, the whole meanness thing adds to the problem. The bird is frustrated and desperate for attention. It may have started off gently pinching but didn't necessarily get the right response from the person. It wants more attention, so bites harder to get a reaction...even a bad response is something. Hormones play into it too now that he's older. The more he bites the less play he gets, he gets even more frustrated which just escalates the whole cycle.

 

[Carlton]

thank you for the info. I will try this, And get the gf to start trying it to. And I will give that book a read. Hopefully I can get that spark with her bird going again. Thanks for yours and everyone else help

Also, consider rotating familiar toys periodically. If there are some he's had in the cage for a while, remove them out of sight, and substitute others he's played with before. Then if you bring out the hidden toys again they are almost "new", but still familiar.

That spark can happen. Sometimes if the owner and bird learn something new together (like a simple trick or a new call) it helps get the interest going again.

 

[midnightgallop]

Yes, Second Hand Parrot is an EXCELLENT read!

Isnt it though!? I love that book. Its quite honestly the best book ive read on parrot behavior. It's such an underrated book because so many people buy their birds as babies but it addresses sooooo many common problems that even a non second hand bird can end up having due to puberty, changing of our lives that affect them etc.

So glad you're going to help her with her bird! it's never too late.

 

[tony19]

The sad thing is, the whole meanness thing adds to the problem. The bird is frustrated and desperate for attention. It may have started off gently pinching but didn't necessarily get the right response from the person. It wants more attention, so bites harder to get a reaction...even a bad response is something. Hormones play into it too now that he's older. The more he bites the less play he gets, he gets even more frustrated which just escalates the whole cycle.

We had a talk yesterday and I read her the things you guys said, and we went out and bought some more toys and a grape vine he can use buy his food dish. It cost me money some how lol, but money well spent I. We even got him a ton more plastic chain links and it's like a little Maze in there now. The actually made the effort to play with him today. So its good news.

Isnt it though!? I love that book. Its quite honestly the best book ive read on parrot behavior. It's such an underrated book because so many people buy their birds as babies but it addresses sooooo many common problems that even a non second hand bird can end up having due to puberty, changing of our lives that affect them etc.

So glad you're going to help her with her bird! it's never too late.

I. Gonna order the book for her to read. Good thing is she loves to read and learn about birds. . So it won't turn into a paper weight. We had to buy some new toys because he doesn't really have many to switch around,but now he does. We took almost all his old ones out, except this ball with a bell in it that he loves to attack ( he loves anything with a bell ). He has a grape vine with lots of little holes and divots in for him to bite and what not. We made a box with paper and treats in that he's a little scared of lol, but we're working on that. They good thing is mango is the happiest I've seen in awhile, he even dances again lol. Still working on the biting a bit, but she's making the effort to work with him and take him out each gay for at least a half our before work and after. I bring him out when I'm over till he gets hungry and grumpy. The it's back for food and play time in the cage.