Hi there people i'm new to this site so hope its ok to post tihs question I have a african grey not quit 2 years old yet she is a lovely bird, loves me and well my wife its a different question with the bird. The bird tends to bite her more often but anyways here is my question. Is there any way of stoping the bird from preening itself( taking out its feather ) her ches is almost bare not so bad in the summer time but gets really bad in the winter months not sure if there is any thing i can give her to eat or does that have nothing to do with her diet thanks....
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Guess you call it preening
- Thread starter kermit98
- Start date
Shadera
Wayward Python Wet Nurse
What you are describing is plucking. Preening is just cleaning and attending to the feather. Plucking is actually yanking it out. Barbering is snipping off parts of the feather, leaving the shaft in the skin.
Greys are very sensitive birds. Since she is so young, you can hopefully find out what is causing this behavior and stop it. There are many reasons birds will start plucking, and there's never always an easy answer. The first thing I'd suggest is an exam and full blood panel with a certified (or at least specialist) avian veterinarian to look for any clues that this might be an organic problem. Then from there they should be able to help you narrow down the reasons to find the probable cause. It could be anything from food allergies to seasonal humidity issues to what-have-you.
Until then, try some soothing mistings with some pure aloe juice (can get this from a whole foods store) in water 3 parts water to 1 part aloe. It will help with any itchiness that may be causing him to cycle with the behavior.
Greys are very sensitive birds. Since she is so young, you can hopefully find out what is causing this behavior and stop it. There are many reasons birds will start plucking, and there's never always an easy answer. The first thing I'd suggest is an exam and full blood panel with a certified (or at least specialist) avian veterinarian to look for any clues that this might be an organic problem. Then from there they should be able to help you narrow down the reasons to find the probable cause. It could be anything from food allergies to seasonal humidity issues to what-have-you.
Until then, try some soothing mistings with some pure aloe juice (can get this from a whole foods store) in water 3 parts water to 1 part aloe. It will help with any itchiness that may be causing him to cycle with the behavior.
Thanks for the quick reply i couldn't think of the proper word when i was typing the msg out just prior to that the wife and I were talking about her plucking and by the time i went to write the msg i forgot the proper word..must be old age 
anyways thanks for the hints maybe will try a different food and try misting her more
anyways thanks for the hints maybe will try a different food and try misting her more