Lucky, my IRN

[jamaio]

Lucky likes to tease Sam and tries to make him talk. Here is a video of them.

Lucky and Sam

Enjoy, John

[homebird]

That is the sweetest video.
What a lovely Ringneck, even nude - such a sweet talker. When did he/she loose the feathers? Will he be able to get them back?

What do you do if you have a bird that plucks (which has happened here?)? I noticed on the Grey section, on a relatively new thread, that some success with this is possible & I was amazed and hopeful, if I ever had to face this problem.

Sorry for my ignorance , but I'm constantly looking at all birds to find a match for me - they're all so lovely - it's hard to decide. I noticed that you have a variety. Could you describe the difference between your IRn & your other birds? So many questions......so little time
Thanks

[Monica]

It's easier to learn second hand than first! I believe that Lucky was a rehome, and he plucked so badly in his last home that many of his feather follicles were damaged that the feathers will never grow back...

I know that with Noel, she was so badly attacked by a ferret (back of head, and stomach area) so badly it destroyed MANY of the feather follicles... On top of that, she mutilated her stomach, and plucked out any feathers she would in that general area (not on chest, wings, back, etc). I've had her for several years, and although she may get the occasional feather here or there, there is no big chance that the feathers will EVER regrow.

Also took in a male cockatiel who's head was severally plucked, more than likely, by his mate, and it's easy to see that his feathers wont grow back either... His mate, Kiwi, went after herself as well, mainly her wing and would mutilate the end of it. She couldn't fly, still can't (it's only been since Nov 05! So maybe by the time she goes through her next molt!), but she has a greater chance to get back the majority, if not all, of the feathers that she removed, as it looks as if her feather follicles were not destroyed.

You can tell whether or not the feather follicles are destroyed by watching the general bare area... if the area appears smooth and clean, the bird would more than likely not get any feathers, you would know for sure given a few weeks or so, whether or not any feathers showed up! If it's not smooth, and has pin feathers coming out, then it's quite likely that the feathers will regrow, however even at that, they may grow in deformed (feather follicles damaged but not destroyed). Avian Medicine Chest does say they have a remedy for bare birds that will regrow their feathers, and their are success stories, but I don't quite feel like going that far into something I'm a bit unsure about, unless I know of other people, personally, that have had good success with the product!

[The Outlaw]

John:

I just loved your video! I had no idea ringnecks could speak so clearly. As for the feather damage, I feel your pain. I've got a BG here that is fast self destructing. However, I love her to pieces.

[homebird]

This may be off the wall - just thinking aloud really - but I wonder - is Plucking similar to all the eczema-like skin conditions that humans are tortured with? Prob. a lot of reasons & skin problems too, like humans?

A person story with my solutions - happy ending (if in doubt)
I personally have just surfaced from 2 1/2 years of extreme eczema on my feet & hands. (Many stresses & a lowered immune system, from stress induced thyroid disease. - now better too!) I wanted to cut the skin off some days - no joke. I tried everything but the most effective treatments were 1) a peaceful mind - not worrying & yoga & meditation 2) vitamin therapy, with B's, D's, & fish oils with 1:2 ratio 3) Apple Cider vinegar &/or Lemon Juice in drinks 4) sea salt baths + aromatherapy.

The major factor was stress & a poor diet in the beginning. So I was thinking that birds can be as neurotic as humans, & may benefit from similar treatments. My diet went through some testing to see if allergies were contributing. Yeast is another problem - so cleansings are in order.

Would similar treatments - bird scale - be appropriate? & I doubt if sea salt baths would be a good idea

[Monica]

Poor diet and stress can indeed be linked to plucking, as can various other things! A better diet, a less stressful environment, etc can indeed help! Birds can also suffer from allergies, itchyness, etc.

I know that in Noel's previous home, she was surrounded by dogs and cats, as well as human troubles. For the first year with us, there were no furred critters, but there were some other things that may have disturbed her. With Kiwi, I don't know much about her previous home (I did know about one home that I met her in, but not the next that her humans moved to)... she was in a small cage with her family, the house overfilled with smoke, and who knows what all else going on... her human owner inded up ignoring her for girls and sports, so things weren't the best. Given time both birds have come around, Kiwi more quickly than Noel had.

[homebird]

It seems so cruel - looking at that lovely IRN, so happy to be on her owner's arm, and yet she has suffered so. I know it would tear me apart . I also know that owners are often at a loss. Careless acts, plain neglect - a new forever home sounds like winning the lottery for these birds.

All the best to those who care & have made a difference.

[Stacey32]

where's the video? there's no link i can see.

[poi_lover]

Stacey-
Click on "Lucky and Sam" in the first post.

John, that is an adorable video! Your IRN is a great talker!