Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 8/12/2007

Question
Hi I have a one year old Alexandrine (Paulie) and he has managed to break all of his tail feathers (this doesn't seem to worry him).  He has a huge cage but has a nasty habit of thinking he can fly (but can't) and I've noticed several break when his but hits the floor he then continues to chew them until the stub has feathered out.  He is chewing the bottom of the broken feathers and I am worried that he may damage the folical inhibiting normal feather growth.  I would love Paulie to have a tail but I fear even if others grow he might chew them anyway.  Can you help me as I live in an area away from avian vets.
Many Thanks  Leanne

Answer
Hi, Leanne,

You can try using something like Bitter Apple or other feather-picking deterrant on his tail.  These products work with some parrots, but not all.  

I'm confused with your statement that the bird is chewing the bottom of the broken feathers.  Are you saying the feathers are breaking off, say 1/2 way down, and the bird is chewing on what's left?  Why is Paulie "hitting" the floor so his tail feathers break off...are his flight feathers clipped too severely that he falls straight down?  This is what I'd work on...I'd find a way to stop the feathers from breaking off to begin with.  Often times, tail feathers will break off when a bird is housed in a cage that is too small, i.e., the tail feathers break off by being constantly "banged up" against the cage wire and/or things inside the cage.  

How do his other feathers look?

Also, you might try different types of toys to help keep the bird's mind on other things besides chewing his feathers.  Some parrots chew feathers when they are bored.

Chrys