Re: Breaking Feather

Posted by Craig (Thors Dad) [Boardmaster] on Friday, October 06, 2006 at 9:30PM :

In Reply to: Breaking Feather posted by Kenneth from 63-228-162-190.cdrr.qwest.net (63.228.162.190) on Friday, October 06, 2006 at 3:18PM :

Hi Kenneth,

I have never had any feather problems with Thor. He is very vein and I can't imagine him messing with his appearance in any way. When Thor molts he often picks up a flight feather to chew on and ever since he was a baby I took them away from him and told him NO.

I'm not any kind of bird expert but am told that feather problems can be psychological, evironmental, or diet.

Thor lives outside his cage (most of the time) in the middle of the house by a window where he can see everything that is going on inside and out all the time. He gets a real soaking bath every week or two, stands on the shower door most every day and gets steamed. Our house has forced air heat but no air conditioning. Thor eats Harrisons pellets and Laferber's nutrian cakes. Every morning he gets a big nut after his morning bomb. Of course he gets stuff from our dinner every evening: fruit, vegetables, bread, pasta, etc. I give him a good head and body scratch every day. If I forget he asks for it. He really likes his itchy feathers scratched.

I'd really look first to boredom. Does he have enough to do? Is he alone a lot? Next I'd look at things that make him itch. Is he near a heater vent? Does he get frequent good baths? Do you preen him. Finally diet. Harrisons is good but needs to be supplimented with fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts. A vet. can do a blood panel and tell you if his diet is lacking.

Craig

Follow Ups: Post a Followup: You must register before you can post. It is very quick and easy! Name: E-Mail: ( as registered) Subject: Message: : Hi Kenneth, : I have never had any feather problems with Thor. He is very vein and I can't imagine him messing with his appearance in any way. When Thor molts he often picks up a flight feather to chew on and ever since he was a baby I took them away from him and told him NO. : I'm not any kind of bird expert but am told that feather problems can be psychological, evironmental, or diet. : Thor lives outside his cage (most of the time) in the middle of the house by a window where he can see everything that is going on inside and out all the time. He gets a real soaking bath every week or two, stands on the shower door most every day and gets steamed. Our house has forced air heat but no air conditioning. Thor eats Harrisons pellets and Laferber's nutrian cakes. Every morning he gets a big nut after his morning bomb. Of course he gets stuff from our dinner every evening: fruit, vegetables, bread, pasta, etc. I give him a good head and body scratch every day. If I forget he asks for it. He really likes his itchy feathers scratched. : I'd really look first to boredom. Does he have enough to do? Is he alone a lot? Next I'd look at things that make him itch. Is he near a heater vent? Does he get frequent good baths? Do you preen him. Finally diet. Harrisons is good but needs to be supplimented with fresh fruit, vegetables and nuts. A vet. can do a blood panel and tell you if his diet is lacking. : Craig Optional Link ( default from registration) URL: Title: Optional Image Link ( default from registration) URL: This board is brought to you buy Thor's Cape Parrot Information Site.