Stella`s X-owner lied! Feather picking issue... and more

[chapala]

The "sprout" mix mentioned above contains many legumes which should not be fed sprouted to parrots. The ONLY safe legumes for sprouting and feeding to parrots are these: mung, lentil, whole dried pea, garbanzo, adzuki. Other legumes contain anti-nutrients and are hard to digest, forming gas which can create problems for parrots. That mix possibly could be soaked overnight, soaking water drained, rinsed well, and cooked in fresh water. But, I prefer to sprout or cook only the recommended varieties.

[Stellas Mom]

We bought some! He seems to really like them! At first he just picked at one (not sure which one it was!) but now he seems to enjoy them!

Thanks to you and Alyx for all the sprout information!

Have a great night!
Marilyn

[Stellas Mom]

Thanks! I took a picture of his chest & a picture of him in general. I am going to do this weekly so I have something to compare too. So far, the half feathers I am finding, I am sure he's had for a while now. We had him outside last weekend, put him in direct sunlight so we could really see his feather color and we are pretty sure, he has lots of new beautiful feathers! I am hoping so much that all that feather picking was because he was neglected with his past owner. We looked at pictures when we first got him (In Feb) and he was no where near as bright green, vibrant mauve and blue as he is now!
He has tons & tons of grey still but I am hoping he gets rid of those soon!

We are going to keep an eye on it. I will keep you posted!

Thanks & Hugz
Marilyn

[Stellas Mom]

Sorry! I already started to post this but something happened and my time to edit expired... heres the revised copy of my reply!
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We bought some sprouts! He seems to really like them! At first he just picked at one (not sure which one it was!) but now He seems to enjoy them! I don't think we're going to buy the pre mix bag. I prefer to buy them from a health food store and make up my own variety. I'll get to know which ones he prefers (I hope!)

Thanks to all that replied! all the suggestions, pictures, websites etc., were so very helpful! I am less stressed now that we've learned more about it..... I have also pretty much taken away all his treat bowls and converted them to just pellets. It all makes sense now! I couldn't figure out why he wasn't super excited when I refreshed his treat bowl, now I know why.... they were never a "treat".. they were readily available 24/7.... live and learn! Now I get it! A "treat" actually means "a treat!" LOL.... I got alot more creative with his food this week! He seems to enjoy all the food he gets even more than he did! (as I am sure he was too full from his everyday treat bowls)

He's still trying to adapt to the new short nails. He keeps slipping off of things he used to climbing no problem. We felt bad the first couple of days but realize, it couldn't have been a good thing for him either, to have such long nails (previous owner only had him groomed once in 2 1/2 yrs)... The Vet explained it as, its like he has to get used to going from stilletto heals to flats!... He seems to be getting a better grasp of things (punn intended!) as the week goes on.

We've bought him a pinyata before. To this day he is still scared of it! I even started it for him and poked a couple treats out of it so he could see where they came from but nope, he no like it!... I also picked up a neat foraging toy for him but right now he has no interest in it. As time goes on and he realized he only gets pellets as his main food, he will start foraging for treats!... I think it comes down to him training me on how to work with him!.... Everyday is a new day with him! I am so in-love! Now that its been 4 months, I don't know how we ever lived without Stella!.. We're going away this weekend (visiting friends in cottage country) We can't wait! Our first mini vacation with Stella!

We are trying to keep him busy just incase this feather picking is actually continuing. So far his favorite past time is playing with a spoon, a disposable roasting pan & a paper towel! (I also put a half an almond inside the paper towel and it took him a while before he got to the almond! Its so fun to watch, now I realize what all this "foraging" really is for!

Thanks again everybody! You guys are THE BESTEST EVER!


I'll keep you posted on how its going!

Have a great night!
Marilyn

[Rahni]

I have seen a very excellent article written by some guy (can't remember his name) on pellets vs seeds, and basically why it's very hard to get them to eat them, which is because it is not a natural form of food. I have searched and searched for the article but can't find it for the life of me.
I think from memory he recommended not feeding pellets and providing a balanced diet through seed, vegatables etc. He commented on how when some people try to convert the birds to pellets the birds seem to prefer starving...
If anyone knows the article I am talking about please post a link so i can reread!

[Stellas Mom]

Originally Posted by Rahni

I have seen a very excellent article written by some guy (can't remember his name) on pellets vs seeds, and basically why it's very hard to get them to eat them, which is because it is not a natural form of food. I have searched and searched for the article but can't find it for the life of me.
I think from memory he recommended not feeding pellets and providing a balanced diet through seed, vegatables etc. He commented on how when some people try to convert the birds to pellets the birds seem to prefer starving...
If anyone knows the article I am talking about please post a link so i can reread!

WOW, this is the first i've heard of this. Although I am a new bird Mom, I have much to learn but most of what i've learned, has been on this board and from my "Parrot Mentor" (u know who you are!) I believe its approx 80% pellets and the rest in fruits, vegys, ppl food etc., and seeds as a treat. "Seeds as a treat" is what I just learned over the past week.... If I am wrong, please correct me.

I would also like to see this article!... Thanks for your post
Have a superb evening!

[NotEnoughTime]

Originally Posted by Rahni

I have seen a very excellent article written by some guy (can't remember his name) on pellets vs seeds, and basically why it's very hard to get them to eat them, which is because it is not a natural form of food. I have searched and searched for the article but can't find it for the life of me.

Hmmm - frankly I've never found it hard to get a bird to eat pellets.

If not hand-raised and weened to pellets (in which case it is hard to get them to eat anything else) then giving them no other choice they eat them. After a while they like them. Then I add veggies and spouts.

Not much of a problem...

[blillulu11]

im not a bird expert and will never pretend to be. I am only a grey lover as i have one. Birds pluck for a myriad of reasons some physical issitues some mental(stress) issues. It is difficult to stop this, but not impossible. In your situation,unfortunately, it sounds as if it could either of been medical or stress related.You are awesome for brining him right away for a check up. Alot of people think its too costly and wait until the bird is actually ill. My grey plucked.It started a year after I got him. In my case it was stress. I started a new job and that messed his routine up.I now know to spend much more time with him as they tend to feel lonley and neglected when they think you are ignoring them. Be patient you sound like youre doing a great job. Your bird will quickly become another "child" in your household!! good luck

[macawgirl]

whats a gcc? im dealing with a blue and gold macaw starting to pluck agaiin. this is her second time now. first time was almost 2 years ago. she just started this again, i had to get her on meds. im making her sit here at my table with me while i work i work from home so i can supervise her, i keep telling her to stop picking and she will then do it again and i yell at her. she is all scabbed up on her back legs and under her wings, there are alot of grey feathers. i just noticed it 2 days ago.

what are you doing about it? my greenwing isnt doing this.

[Monica]

Green Cheek Conure - at least in most circumstances. Could also mean Gold Capped Conure.

Yelling at your macaw is not the best idea... it wont make her stop, only perhaps temporarily distract her... and perhaps it's her way to get interaction from you. You need to rework your relationship with her. I recommend reading first and foremost "Don't Shoot the Dog."