Plucking/Self Mutilation - Collar

[chigz]

Hi all,

 

My grey, Lucky, started picking his feather about 6 weeks ago under his wings. He has never shown this behavior before so we took him to the vets to get checked. Within a week of doing so it gt worse, with scabs forming. I have taken him to a avian specialist who explained this is a sign of self mutilation and has fitted with with a collar. I was expected a plastic cone but he has fitted a cast like collar around his neck. It has been about 4 days now and Lucky has become very clingy, always wanting to sit on someones shoulder. He cannot hold food in his hand as he cant reach it with his beak so we are having to either feed him or put it in a plate. He is also sleeping a lot more during the day, often not even realising that I have walked right up to him. I just wanted to get some advice as the speciliast said he would have to keep this on for around 4-6 weeks till the area under the wings heals. I am worried that he will get even more depressed as he cant really play with toys or move around very well.

 

For anyone that has had experience with their grey wearing a cone, did it restrict your bird as it has mine?

 

Thanks