feather chewing

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feather chewing

Postby darnell on Sun Mar 16, 2008 10:10 am

Does anyone know how to stop a scarlet from chewing on his feathers? He doesn't pluck them he just chews on his shoulders.


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Postby MFids on Sun Mar 16, 2008 8:35 pm

Have you had a full bloodwork done to ensure he is healthy? Does he have plenty of toys to keep him busy? Any times spent outside? Daily bathes? Exercise? Does he eat a healthy diet?

Has anything changed recently?

Do you have a picture of his setup? Tell us more about him and what he eats?
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feather chewing

Postby darnell on Mon Mar 17, 2008 5:57 pm

I just bought him saturday and he wants to chew on his shoulders. I am not sure of his previous diet, age or toys. I don't have bloodwork yet either. He doesn't acknowledge the toys I have in the cage . I was wondering if it is possible for a parrot to get mites? He acts like he is itching or something. He isn't plucked but his feathers are chewed up if that makes sense. I haven't showered him yet so I don't know how well he likes showers. Thanks for the help.
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Postby darlene on Mon Mar 17, 2008 7:25 pm

Had he chewed feathers before you got him or is it new? Could be nervous being in a new home/people etc. Could be allergies also. Vet check is first. If you can find his history might help also.
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Postby darnell on Tue Mar 18, 2008 2:32 pm

His feathers was chewed when I got him. He acts like he is itching. I gave him a shower and it seems to have helped him a lot with the itching. He hasn't been chewing since I showered him hope that it helps. How often can I shower him? Will it dry out the skin and make the itching worse? Thanks for all the help. He hasn't been to the vet yet I just got him saturday and a lot of people at work are off on vacation this week and my supervisor would kill me if i took off.
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Postby MFids on Tue Mar 18, 2008 3:47 pm

I suggest getting a vet checkup as soon as possible... in the meantime, you can give daily bathes. If you are worried he has dry skin, then go to the store and buy some aloe vera juice. You can mix that in with the water (50/50 25/75 or whatever) and spray this on him. The aloe vera will help keep his skin moist. Keeping the humidity up will as well.

If there are any safe trees in your area (not sprayed with pesticied or fertilized with chemicals - and safe for birds) you could get some branches and see if your macaw would enjoy some fresh branches to chew on.
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