Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 10/11/2006

Question
i have a green cheeck conure. it seems every time he goes through the molting phase he scratches his neck till he breaks through skin and starts bleeding. i have been to a bird specialist at a vet and hundreds of dollars later he still is doing it and i have no answers. i feel he is going crazy because he is in so much pain. he wont leave it alone. WHAT COULD IT BE AND WHAT DO I DO?


Answer
Hi, Kristen.  Thanks for posting!

I'm concerned that you state you've had your bird to a "bird specialist at a vet."  Your bird should actually have been seen and evaluated by the avian vet himself, not just a specialist/technician in the office.  What did the avian veterinarian say was the problem and did he treat your bird in any way?  Have you been back to this bird vet expressing your concern that the previous visit didn't solve the problem (they may/may not charge you for this follow-up visit/phone call)?  How do you know your bird is in pain?  Are you sure this problem is the result of moulting, as moulting doesn't normally produce this type of behavior in a parrot?  Is this bird with another bird?  Is this wound the result of your bird scratching his neck with his toenails?      

I don't know what this could be based on the information in your post.  If you can provide more detailed information I might be able to help you more.  If this problem is a scratch as a result of your bird using his toenails to scratch his neck area, there is a possible solution, but I need more information.

Thanks.

Chrys