Plucking progress!!! + Red Factor?

[gotfaith1989]

I am very excited that after having Rocky for 4 months now and trying many interventions, I can see progress in Rocky's feather plucking! First we tried Red Palm Oil (1/4 teaspoon), which I have been using on his Zupreem pellets everyday. Then I cut his seeds (he was getting half seed, half pellet). I tried bathing with aloe vera juice and plain H2O but he hated it so much and I hated to stress him out that I found a different way to get in a bath every once in awhile...he tolerates being on my shoulder while I'm taking a shower every once in awhile. When we FIRST began to see the difference was definitely when I bought the UVB Full Spectrum Lamp for him. He has also been sitting at the window on a perch when it is really sunny outside and he LOVES it. And OF COURSE those awesome head scratches I give him for HOURS at a time!!!!!

 

This is Rocky when we first brought him home (December 31st)

 

[ATTACH=CONFIG]20134[/ATTACH] January 11th (began red palm oil/baths)

 

 

February 5th (I was gone on vacation for a week while my hubby watched Rocky...we began the Full Spectrum Light RIGHT before I left, but I think there was a tad of a relapse here since I was gone.)

 

February 14th (Back from my vacation...signs of improvement!)

 

March 15th....NOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of improvement!!!!!

 

My favorite feather on him! Let's pray he doesn't pluck it He has a couple other random red feathers on him, but nothing quite as obvious as this one! Does this mean he has Red Factor?

Edited March 18, 2011 by gotfaith1989

[Butttaxi]

oh wow that is totally awesome I have read stories about plucking being a hard habit to break but he has healed so fast and beautifully. I think you did a fabulous job!!!

 

My guy has red feathers and from what I read it could be either red factor, a health issue or sometimes young greys will have them on their legs which they can lose during a moult. I don't know if bad health has actually been proven to be the cause of the stray red feather so if your Rocky has had a vet visit and a clean bill of health then I wouldn't stress about that.

[gotfaith1989]

He still has a long way to go as far as being fully feathered. And his first vet visit is Thursday!

[munch]

That's awesome!!! And let me also say that you must be a very special person to adopt a grey who was a plucker especially as your first grey! That is truly wonderful. Good luck with Rocky, keep posted!

[judygram]

Rocky does show signs of improvement and maybe the vet will be able to shed some light on the plucking problem too.

He does have some red feathers, its called red factor and it may or may not molt out the next time, let us know what the vet says and keep us informed.

[danmcq]

Congratulations on the improvement. Your devotion and loving care is starting to pay off quickly!

[thenabrd]

my peach front conure gets random "peach" feathers sometimes on her wings or around her eyes. depending on where they are i call them her freckles or beauty marks!

[gotfaith1989]

I'm so disappointed....Rocky pulled out the pretty red feather last night along with the other feather coming in on his back neck.

 

I can't be upset at him though...he has come so far!

[judygram]

Be sure to not show your disappointment at the missing feathers as he can pick up on that.

[gotfaith1989]

Rocky is nice and healthy according to the vet! He said I'm doing everything correctly for Rocky! So glad he got a clean bill of health!

[Luvparrots]

Congratulations to you and Rocky!!! Can't wait to see Rocky fully feathered!!! Fingers crossed for him and toes too!!!

[KimKim]

Wow, nice job! He looks great! Thanks for sharing and giving tips on what worked for Rocky.

[gotfaith1989]

Thanks! Will definitely keep everyone updated!

[Guest jaquiscorpio]

Rocky is nice and healthy according to the vet! He said I'm doing everything correctly for Rocky! So glad he got a clean bill of health!

 

thats great news well done