AboutRev. Dr. S.August Abbott Expertise Certified Avian Specialist; Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council member; Own animal rescue org; National Wildlife habitat #66378; bird care, nutrition & behavior consultant; International Assoc. of Animal Behavior Consultants Associate; National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club member; published bird care, info and behavior articles and guides.
Ongoing education in exotic bird behavior and nutrition
I can answer behavioral, nutritional, environmental, characteristic/personality questions as well as general health and health care.
No animal emergency can ever be addressed on the internet. We cannot see your animal, perform an examination, provide necessary care or medication.
Please value your companion for the priceless, living creature they are; not for what you might have paid for them.
Experience Certified Avian Specialist.
For more than 30 years I've worked with veterinarians, protective facilities, nature centers, preserves and on my own in providing care and education with regard to multiple animal species, including raptors (hawks, kestrals, owls, etc) and marsupials. In recent years I've focused on parrots, usually rescued from abusive or less than ideal situations and helping educate owners as to proper care. Expert in behavior studies and modification of problem behavior.
Organizations 4AnimalCare is the organization I run as an animal ministry; World Wildlife Association, Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, National Wildlife Federation Leaders Club and more
Publications Bird Talk Magazine articles about rescued and problem macaws.
Education/Credentials Doctorate, Ordained Minister
Question QUESTION: I have had my pet Indian Ringneck Parakeet for about four or five years now. I was very close with the breeder I purchased him (and our other two birds) from and handled him about once a week, from the time he was just a little baby until I was able to take him home, which established a great bond between the two of us. I also have a Timmneh African Grey and a Senegal parrot. They have all been very healthy and have a very stable diet consisting of pellet, seed, fruits, and vegetables. However, in the last month we have noticed a large amount of feather loss in the ringneck. At first we thought he might have mites, although he has no contact with the outside and none of our other parrots showed symptoms, we began spraying him along with the others with might spray and heavily cleaned the room they are living in. However, this did not seem to do the trick. His feather loss is in unusual places such as the throat, around the eyes, under the wings,thighs, and at the bend or shoulder of the wing. He has never been a plucker before, however his mother was plucked by his father. We are at loss as to what we should do and are very worried because we cherish him deeply. He always seems to find a way to make us laugh. Please help.
Thank you for your time and patience.
ANSWER: Tell me more about his routine. How often he's out of the cage, what sort of interaction you have, how you provide for nighttime, where in the home he's located, pretty much take me through a typical day ok?
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QUESTION: We wake up at around 6 generally every day and uncover all of the bird's cages. They are all out of their cages for most of the day because the room they are all in is devoted, for the most part, to them. I try and spend a few minutes with him here and there whenever I get a chance during the day and often in the evenings spend anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour with him. The room is located next to the family room in which my family spends most of our time. The two rooms are separated by big glass french doors which allows the birds to kind of keep and eye on us throughout the day. At night, at around 8 or 9 we lock all three birds up in their own separate cages and cover the cages with sheets to provide a dark, secure place for them to sleep. The only other time they are locked up is when we are not home. And that's basically a typical day for us.
Answer Thank you for the additional info. Let's try a few little modifications in your schedule ok? It might even be easier on you.
Since you tend to start the day at 6 a.m. - end the bird's day at 6 p.m. instead of 8 or 9. Try to give them no less than 12 hours of 'nighttime'. They can have up to 13 or 14 hours nighttime if you notice ongoing problems like feather plucking or egg laying (in females).
Try replacing fluorescent bulbs with full spectrum bulbs or at least try a different (newer) brand of fluorescent. Birds see at different wavelengths than humans and there may be 'flickering' perceived from a fluorescent bulb that drives them to frustration - which leads them to plucking.
It will also help to distract your bird when they begin over-preening. Get them engaged in learning something new, even simple things like shaking ‘hands’ or introducing themselves.
You don’t want to stress your companion though, so don’t push the learning if they aren’t up to it. Just take them out of the cage and spend time with them. Talk or watch t.v. – all that matters is that they are not getting carried away with the preening.
It will take several weeks to see the difference (about 2 ½ to 3 months), but since that time will pass anyway, it’s worth making the effort.
For more about the right nutrition for healthy feather and an overall happy bird take a look here www.4Animalcare.org/birds
