pin feathers

[slmclean]

hubby bought home our goffin cockatoo, he has pulled almost all his feathers off his face tave tried to help him by here is only feathers around his eyes now, i have tried spraying the aloe vera juice on it but i'm scared i will get it into his eyes and i have tried rubbing the aloe vera gel on it but he wont let me, there is a few big pin feathers there and i have tried to pinch them on the tips to help them out but that isnt working, any suggestions he is so miserable here he isnt eating well either. thank you. i will try and get a pic of him later to show you.

[lovemyGreys]

Has he had a vet check Susan ? Birds cant really reach their own faces to pull feathers out.How old is he ? any history on plucking ? Spray him once or twice a day with water, This will soften the pin feathers and relieve some of the itchiness he may have.If he needs help as single birds often do with new feathers,Squeeze the pin feather gently between your thumb and forefinger. Gently roll the end of the quill between your fingers. The sheath should fall off easily.

If he is not eating well i would consider a vet check.

[slmclean]

he is grabbing them with his feet he is about 6 yrs old no he hasnt been to the vet so i will make a appointment if he isnt getting better he has been with hubby for a month and he brought him home for the week cause he wasnt home enough for him i have tried to get ahold of the feathers but he wont let me but i think maybe if i towel him i can help him, thank you for your help.

[lovemyGreys]

Yes i think a quick vet check just to rule out any underlying health problems, then you can move forward from there good luck,let us know how you get on.

[slmclean]

i will we have always had probems with him plucking we just got his chest and legs looking good and now this:( i just dont know what to do anymore with him

[lovemyGreys]

Im afraid plucking in any bird can be really disheartening for the owners.Im sure you have explored the various possibilities over the years,sometimes im afraid we just have to accept the little monkeys will pluck & theres nothing you can do to stop them,it doesnt mean you have failed him or love him any less

[slmclean]

i just gave him a bath in a bowl he isnt happy with me now:blink:

[slmclean]

here is what he looks like.

[slmclean]

it is kind of hard to see but you can see where he has been plucking around his mouth.

[judygram]

Yeah I can see where he is pulling the feathers out, he must be doing it with his talons, usually a bird will be able to pluck everywhere but the head. I agree with Tracy, he needs to be seen by an avian vet to rule out any physical reasons, then we will go from there.:ohmy:

[slmclean]

on his left side you can see his ear hole yuck i feel so bad for him.

[judygram]

Its not your fault Susan, some birds are going to be pluckers no matter what we do so don't blame yourself, just get the vet visit and we will gofrom there.

[slmclean]

yeah i'm going to call tomorrow

[slmclean]

buddy is going in thurs afternoon to get his nails trim and to have his face checked out hopefully they can help him

[Cagal08]

I am confused but thats nothing new LOL anywho in your first post it sounded like you just got the goffins and then further down it seems like you have had him a while? How long have you had him and what does his diet consist of and does he get any natural sunlight? Water? What type of water, filtered or bottled or straight out of the tap? I only use distilled water for my pets and reason why is alot of tap water contains parasites and yes even bottled water. A good UV filter such as 'Vortex" is a good one to use if you do not want to continue to keep buying distilled water by the gallons. Atmosphere/surroundings...what other birds are around and how loud is the house ( besides the G2) pulling at his face like that isn't normal and you have to look at and rule out reasons why he might be doing this all the sudden? Make sure the vet looks at his skin around the plucked area on his face and check his stool for parasites and also check for gram negative to be too high. Good luck and keep us posted.

[slmclean]

i have had him for 4 yrs,yes he drinks tab water he is on a seed mix plus he gets goodies from us he likes broccoli and apples and stuff like that he does get to go outside to

[judygram]

I'm glad you got an appointment for him to be checked out and he passes with flying colors, keep us informed.

[slmclean]

i will he is still quiet but is eating and still scratching.:angry:

[slmclean]

i took buddy to the vet today he got his nails clipped and the vet gave him some panolog ointment for his neck he said he has a infection and this stuff should help.

[lovemyGreys]

Well im pleased you got to the bottom of it,hopefully the ointment will soothe the itchness & Buddy will stop scratching

[slmclean]

yes i hope so to right now he hasnt scratch since we got home but then again he is pouting :lol:

[Lyric]

Good luck with him Susan, I'm glad you took him to the vet. Give him lots of sweet talk and kisses and he will come around.

[slmclean]

well buddy had some new pin feathers coming in, i came home today he had them pulled out so i give up.:angry:

[judygram]

I feel so bad for you Susan, you think he has stopped and then he starts up again, I know it is so discouraging but don't give up on him, he needs you now.

[Tycos_mom]

The ointment will probubly take a few days to start working just do your best with applying it regularly and I'm sure once the infection starts to heal you will start seeing some improvements I know how frustrating this can be Ive had a couple birds in my life that where Pluckers so I feel for you you doing a great job keep up the good work and he'll be as good as new in no time.