klinger

Hi everyone. My name is Sherry and last year we adopted a TAG and this year we rescued a CAG from a less than stellar situation. We also own a Lilac Crowned Amazon. Our Greys are great. They both have a large vocabulary and both able to be handled. I have owned parrots in the past and used to breed Quakers. I am learning new things everyday however and hope to continue to learn new enrichment and care ideas. My Husband and I live in Wisconsin and our next plan is to figure out a cost effective outdoor summer enclosure for the trio to spend some time in the sun or our short summers.

Hi. I too am dealing with plucking issues. I have an adopted TAG 20ish yrs old and in perfect feather. I just adopted a CAG 20ish yrs and has no tail feathers. He will let the fluff and some bloods grow back and then all of a sudden ... gone. I also notice drops of blood when he pulls the actual blood feathers. I would love to see him with his red tail but love him either way. I have only had him for a month and my TAG for 1 yr. I give them both spray baths a couple times per week. I just started using Aloe Vera gel/juice with water 50/50 for his bath spray. So far he still plucks and scratches alot. The mix has helped him cut down on scratching some but to me he scratches his head and neck alot. Maybe it is a CAG thing? I dont know. But he is molting too and there are pin feathers there. I have also started him on Mazuri pellets. He was on a seed diet but with unhealthy additives like gummy worms and jelly beans for treats. He took to the pellets right away and am using a good quality seed mixture with fresh fruits and veg added at a 80-90% pellet. I am the 3rd owner in 2 yrs. ... and he is a wonderful bird. He was in a small cage so upgraded that in week one. His plucking is about 6 to 8 months old. Last owner was 18 and worked long hours. He is very outgoing and accepts change well. Loves people and attention. Talks our ears off. The next thing I am giving a try is mixing some Red Palm oil on his pellets a few times a week. I ordered some from a vitamin supply store recommended here. I hope i got the right one...only 2 to choose from. The one I purchased was Alaffia Authentic West African Red Palm Oil 5 oz jar. So hoping this addition helps. To me he scratches way too much. He acts like his skin is dry and itchy. He is also going through a molt right now as is my 11yr old Lilac crowned Amazon. (also a rehomed bird) I have no certified Avian Vets close to me. Only vet that sees birds by me will do a wellness check, clip wings, nails and trim beaks. They can send out a dna test too. So trying to find a decent bird vet in my area to have a complete blood test done, with possible xrays. I want to rule out anything medical. The last owner had no idea what she was doing and gave him inappropriate food and toys. He is actually lucky to be alive. I am also trying to figure out a better cage placement for him too. We have had him in our living room for quarantine and our other 2 in our dining room where they have always been. Our house is rather small open concept and I have a huge playgym in dining area too. I am worried Jasper the CAG is not getting enough sleep in our living room. I want to switch the playgym and his cage. We cover the cages but we watch TV at a low volume too.. till about 10:30 and up at about 6ish. Our daughter is going to school for Vet Technology and when she moves out I plan on using her room for sleep cages. But until then we have to make due, so I am trying to give the birds as many proper sleep hours as am able. I am hoping that will help with the plucking too. I would love suggestions too.

My Zon eats Zupreem fruit blend and will eat seed mixes. My TAG which I just got like 2 weeks ago was on total seed/fruit veg. diet. I got samples of Harrison, Roudybush, and the zupreem I had. So far the TAG will eat the Roudybush a little and the Zupreem a little. Wont eat the Harrison. So I tried it with my Zon and she wont eat the Harrisons either. I do think it is the best. Personally though, I think I am going to do a mix of Zupreems ( veg. and fruit blend and avian entrees) and the Roudybush. These are what is available more locally for me with out having to order out for food. Oddly enough my birds wont eat the nutty version of Zupreem.