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Post by rainbowrunner on Apr 7, 2009 13:10:32 GMT 10
gday,
I have had lorikeets for quite a few years, also rescued and released a
few. I have one breeding pair that where the male was a very tame and trained pet for years, I then bought a female for him as he was constantly trying to have sex with my hand. He is still very tame but his partner is extremely agressive to both me and him. My problem mainly is that she constanly picks both her and his feathers out. They breed very well and have 3-4 young a year.
What can I do about the feather plucking? I use sawdust and feathers in the nest and she just throws it all out. I dont find much of their feathers in the nest at all. The cage is a suspended aviary which is very large and they have plenty of room to fly and toys and fresh fruit and flowers every day. I dont believe it is a disease as any research say there would be other symtoms and it has been like this a few years
Also thank you to a memeber on here who pointed out to me that unweaned birds are illegal to sell in QLD and also directed me to this site,
any help appreciated
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Post by robert on Apr 7, 2009 17:37:30 GMT 10
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Karen
Addicted Member
Posts: 97
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Post by Karen on Apr 8, 2009 7:58:13 GMT 10
Plucking can be a learned trait that unfortunately cannot be unlearned. A respected breeder told me once that if a chick is plucked in the nest then the likelihood that they in turn will pluck their chicks (and/or themselves) is increased over a non plucked chick. There could also be health reasons for plucking that really you should get her checked out. Does she only pluck at breeding time? Do you regularly spray them, their cage and area around the cage for insects? Member Mother Hen also suggested to me a few days ago to get a stop plucking spray from the vet for my bird (my bird plucks the cage bars - really annoying sound all day!). I'm sure if you called your vet they should be able to recommend something. Ideally though, any issues regarding feather loss of any sort should be seen to by an avian vet as some illnesses might not show other symptoms or if they do they are too minor to detect. Good luck!  |
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Post by flamesmum on Apr 11, 2009 22:28:02 GMT 10
Can i ask what the diet is .
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Post by madaussie on Apr 12, 2009 10:09:11 GMT 10
I have one called loopie he was in a small cage for years then we saved him he still cannot fly might not ever poor guy now he is a real funnie bird taken 4 months to win his trust .
Now how do i get him to notice a female we have tryed 2 so far for a year each and he still prefers his (bell) he will not share food toys perch just wont have anything to do with them and ohh my what a foul mouth i mean real bad the worst bird i have ever heard .
Any new things to try would be nice thanks.
j
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Post by rainbowrunner on Dec 1, 2009 7:54:40 GMT 10
Can i ask what the diet is . diet is a home made dry nectar mix, half an apple per bird per day, other fruits and flowers. |
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Post by rainbowrunner on Dec 1, 2009 8:06:07 GMT 10
just the front feathers are plucked, birds are otherwise healthy loud and the usual obnoxious character.
after looking around and ruling out pbfd it seems that quote "The owner may end up with no other choice but to accept their 'new look' bird" as it is more of a behaviour problem,
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Post by Robyn on Dec 1, 2009 9:38:52 GMT 10
Hi,
This is a hard one. I also have an eckie hen that plucks herself. She is one of my best breeders. But she only does it to herself.
I wouldn't think it's diet because it seems the birds are getting a fair amount of vitamins. Even though your feeding a homemade mix. There are many breeders out there making their own.
I know we all want our birds to look perfect but sometimes that is taken out of our hands. My Gypsy looks like no one owns her but i think she is beautiful. I can handle the way she is but hope she never resorts to mutilating & causing injury to herself.
I do know that once they start to pluck its very hard to stop.
Love them the way they are especially if they are happy.
Robyn
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