I don't know if you'll be able to help us, but whatever advice you have we'd sure appreciate. We own a female pied pearled cockatiel named BIKO (after one of Peter Gabriel's songs). Biko's about 3 years old. The problem is she picks her feathers; not on her chest where you would expect, but on her back between her wings. She's healthy in every other way, but has been subjected to life with a collar, because we can't bear to hear or have her pick herself! We've tried moving the cage to a new location, adding and changing the toys, etc. We even gave her a companion...a male normal grey named ICARUS who sings and whistles his little heart out for her, but nothing seems to help her overcome her frustration. If there is anything you can offer we'd sure be greatful.
Thanks for your time and consideration!
Michelle and Tom
Dear Michelle and Tom,
Finding a cure for feather picking can be frustrating, and trying to discover
the reasons why is equally as frustrating. Birds pick their feathers due to illness,
environmental changes, diet deficiency, boredom, sexual frustration and
habit. You seem to have eliminated sexual frustration and boredom and, if
you've had Biko for a while, that would narrow the most likely cause down to illness,
diet deficiencies or habit. Have an avian vet do a complete exam to detect
any possible illnesses (Giardia, for example) or deficiencies.
It's sad when a bird has to wear a collar, but
sometimes that appears to be the only solution.