Hello Alll. new to site but had grey for 8 years

[TobytheCAG]

Hello All, I am new to this site but have been the owner of Toby (CAG) for the past 8.5 years when he was old enough to leave his mother. As a kid I had budgies as my parents wouldn't give to my requests for a parrot I am a keen bird lover whether it be birds in my garden or down my local nature reseverve to the to more exotic breeds.

 

Whilst the past 8.5 years have been very enjoyable teaching Toby all his hundreds of words and phrases, not to forget teaching him various football songs which has been a complete thrill and enjoyment (no swearing has been taught in his life!!). The path to owning a wonderful CAG hasn't been a easy one as I am sure most of the people if honest would agree with. Toby has had to deal with a broken wing substained whilst on a leisurely flight round the living room one Saturday night being no more than 1.5 years old Toby was spooked by me lifting a drink off the radiator which resulted in him flighing straight into the radiator. After thoroughly checking him over he appearded to be fine on the Monday my wife called me at work to advise Toby was acting very quitely and appeared out of character. I rushed Toby to my local avian vet in Cambridge and after a few tests they confirmed a small bone in wing had been broken and a small blood clot had formed. The vet was BRILLIANT and operated and took Toby home with her for a few days to ensure he was fine after paying the bill and a buying a big bunch of flowers and chocolates for the vet he was fine

 

The next event occurred a few years later when we decided to have a family holiday abroad, a local man I know who breeds parrots said he would have Toby at his to board in his own cage.. a few days in I called to check he was OK for Peter to advise yes he was fine but had plucked a few chest feathers in my abesence. On returning from holiday he was on fine form just looked a little plucked on his chest and am sure you all know whats coming next........yes he has continued with this plucking and as a result he only has fluffy white feathers on his chest which is such a shame as from the picture in my profile you can see how lovely he was before.

 

I have another problem with Toby which I am looking for advice for and which I will post later but just wanted to give a breif introduction as too who we were before I ask for help in the world of owning a most brilliant gift from god the African Grey Parrot.

 

Thanks Kevin

[JillyBeanz]

Hi Kevin - Welcome to our family - why's it taken you so long!! From your posting you have shown just how clumsy and sensitive our babies are!

 

There are lots of forum members who have had "pluckers" and many who are continuing in their efforts, and succeeding, in ensuring that this habit is broken. You will find lots of useful articles, if you haven't found them already, in the "Health Room" - where you will find particular help with this problem.

 

Looking forward to getting to know more about you and your family

[TobytheCAG]

Thanks Jilly I have read some of the previou postings but will make sure i read them all for any new tips to try and get his georgeous coat back!!

 

I will be posting shortly about the current problem to see if you and the rest of the guys here can help.

 

Kevin

[Luvparrots]

Hi Kevin, I can feel your pain as I recently re-homed an eclectus with whom I am trying to break the plucking habit. When I spray him with Aloe Vera juice he seems to do a lot better with not plucking. We are working to correct his plucking. Welcome to the grey family!