HappyClown Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 He started it about a week ago. Ive oiled him for dry skin. Covered him earlier in case it was a lack of sleep. Increased the number of toys. I can'y figure out what made him start. Heeelllllp Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
judygram Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 Something made him start but the first thing you should do is have him fully checked out by an avian vet to rule out any possible physical reasons for his plucking. Then you can concentrate on finding out what has been different or what has occured in his life to make him pluck his feathers. That is where I would start. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave007 Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 How old is he? Where's he plucking? What area? Seeing any feathers? What do you mean by " Ive oiled him for dry skin*. What oil? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyClown Posted January 4, 2009 Author Share Posted January 4, 2009 He just turned a year last month. I used aloe oil. Mostly picking on the breast and back. He's been leaving the softer down feathers underneath and only taking the main feathers on top. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dave007 Posted January 4, 2009 Share Posted January 4, 2009 What you're referring to (aloe oil) is actually aloe gel. The gel is used as a medicinal product when the bird has a very small spot that's irritated or cut or bruised. It's also used to soften certain areas such as the legs and toes that are irritated. Look at the gel as a first aid cream is to a human. What you need to get is a product call 100% Aloe Vera Juice. It can be used full strength or mixed with water. It's used in a mister and sprayed on all parts of the body. It's important that the skin is also soaked with it. It isn't toxic, can't hurt if swallowed. Many people here use the product with success. It's used when the bird is molting, or plucking or chewing. It's also used as an addition to baths. After the bath, the bird is sprayed and there doesn't have to be anything wrong with the bird. The gel can clog many areas where feathers grow from and the more they clog up, the more intense the plucking/pulling/chewing. The juice can be purchased at Walmart for apprx $8.50. It comes in a 1 gallon jug. Other pharmacies sell it but Walmart has the best price. PS--At his age, it's very possible that what he's going through is what is referred to as the *first major molt* which occurs around the same age as your bird is give or take a month or two. It's not the same as the partial baby molts that young birds go through. Many birds who go through this type of molt have a hard time handling the drastic change that's occurring. The skin is dry, the feathers are stiff, dry and somewhat dead. Many birds have little problems. I should have also said that whatever baths he gets should be increased on a weekly basis. Doing that also soothes the skin.<br><br>Post edited by: Dave007, at: 2009/01/04 02:52 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HappyClown Posted January 4, 2009 Author Share Posted January 4, 2009 WOW.....thanks Dave. I did not know that about the first major molt. Also I appreciate it greatly that you told me where to get the Aloe juice. I drove to a few different stores today and no one knew of it. I will be heading to wal-mart in the morning. Thanks again Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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