Feather Plucking
The more we deal with feather plucking, feather picking and other forms of
self-mutilation the more we find that many cases have nutritional backgrounds
and nutritional solutions.
However there are a number of medical conditions that will cause birds to
pluck. These start with parasites but also include diseases such as liver
damage. Where stress, environmental and behavioral issues are involved these
must be identified and corrected. Has you bird been recently stressed by a
change in routine or location? Is it getting enough sleep? Has it been ill?
The problem with stress and environmentally induced plucking is that the
behavior often continues despite the removal of the source of stress. Diet can
often be a key factor in treating this chronic problem. The first dietary issue
is calcium. Because calcium is involved in nerve and brain function a shortage
of calcium can lead to many nervous disorders including plucking. Often it is
the key "missing" ingredient.
CalciBoost is now always a part of our recommendation for feather pluckers
as it has a calming effect.
Feather plucking birds are always stressed. Because of this their digestive
systems are rarely working well.
Potent Brew calms the bird down by maximizing gut function and improving
nutrient absorption.
Finally we try to sped up the growth of replacement feathers to minimize any
irritation caused by the emergence of the new feather. We do this with
Feather-Up (or
Daily Essentials3) which is a very comprehensive vitamin, mineral, limiting
amino acid and balanced protein supplement.
Feather-Up is designed to add to foods like egg foods or fruits and
vegetables though for some fussy feeders it may be able to be fed with toast or
some other treat. If the plucking bird is only eating seed then we must
supplement through the drinking water.
So
Feather-Up (or
Daily Essentials3),
CalciBoost and
Potent Brew are our regular recommendation for feather plucking birds. If
nutrition alone fails to fix the problem there may be a role for
herbal or
homeopathic remedies. If this route, or drug therapies, are selected you
must maintain the nutritional support.
Copyright (c) 2000-2004, The
Birdcare Company. Used with permission.
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