Birdie vs. the collar

[bbslovie]

Hi, my lovie just had to get a collar for plucking. He had an infection in mid Dec. and started plucking on the left shoulder area. I wasn't given much instruction and found I had to get a smaller cage in the interim because he can't fly well with the collar on and was climbing the cage and falling. He is also chewing on the tape they put around the collar. Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated! I'm only on day 2 of 14 with this! Thanks!

[LauraO]

Plucking and collars are a difficult issue to deal with. I would be very careful. First, you want to make sure your lovie can and is still eating and drinking with the collar on. So monitor his/her behavior and poop closely. I can't say what you should do, but I use a collar that doesn't allow the lovebird to move around. I'm not saying take the collar off, but call the vet and voice your concerns. Maybe there is some alternative collar.

[bbslovie]

Hi, thanks for the response. He seems to be eating, drinking and pooping just fine. I'm going to call them first thing in the morning and get more information. I should have asked to observe him in the collar and asked questions before leaving. I'm still learning when it comes to this birdie!

[michael]

Hi bbslovie. I'm sorry to hear you've had to fit your bird with an Ecollar. Hopefully you can enlist a new program along with it that may some day result in its permanent removal. While I'm somewhat familiar with Ecollars, having them on a small lovebird is also new to me. My lovebird has been plucking/picking on and off for almost a year now. Periods of time would pass then suddenly he'd abuse himself until he drew blood. for the past month we've been using a bubble type two piece hard plastic Ecollar that seems to work quite well. The only drawback is they can be difficult to put back on should you want to remove it every now and then. Really, I do feel its temporary removal can be an important part of the treatment plan. I will say its not a very pleasant experience when their first fit in place as often their reaction can be very traumatic. Usually though, over a couple days they adjust fairly well. As Laura mentioned, its important to make sure their eating and drinking as some collars make it hard for them to reach into the food bowls. I would try to keep the food/water bowls filled up to the very top to help assure good access. Wish you and your little companion the very best and please keep us updated.............:)

[bbslovie]

Hi Michael, I've read about some of your experiences, thanks for sharing. The bubble collar seems like it might be less traumatic. The one we have is just a plastic cone shaped thing with a hole cut out of the middle. I'm going to ask them about that tomorrow. My birdie is picking/eating the surgical tape that they put on around the collar, that can't be good for him. I'm also concerned about leaving him alone during the day when I'm at work. Any help, advice, experience is truly appreciated! I've only had birdie for about 7 months, he's about 2 according to my dr. and this is my first birdie so I've got a lot to learn!

[michael]

You know, I've been mulling this over with the doc for quite some time regarding the types of Ecollars available and their weakest points. Because so many parrots differ in behavior there's really no clear cut recommendation as to which one is best for your bird. We simply want the safest most effective collar possible while at the same time have it easy to remove and put back if need be. Right now we are trying to come up with a material like kevlar or something that impossible for parrots to chew or slip out of. Easier said than done :(. I'll likely try the other collars but for now we want to first get all his feathers grown in...............:)

[bbslovie]

Hi, birdie seems to be adjusting to this thing. Eating, drinking and all just fine. The only thing I don't like is that I don't see any way to remove this collar other than cutting it off without hurting birdie. I'm still going to check with the dr about possibly a different collar. I seem to have more trouble adjusting to this thing than birdie!

[michael]

There are velcroed Ecollars you may want to inquire about. The last Ecollar we used on a cockatoo a few years ago was an orbital collar with a velcroed strip. When fit in place it worked well for that particular parrot, unfortunately, it proved futile on others we tried it on as they simply tore right through them. I spoke with my vets office today about other alternative collars. Connie the technician stated they prefer to use the bubble type or none at all. She insisted even though they are still difficult to place back on they are safer, more effective, and easier to use than the others. So for now it will remain. As far as our own emotional stress in having to resort to using any Ecollar regardless of type, while its no cure towards the behavioral aspects of self mutilation, its a lot better than it reaching a point of being life threatening......Again I wish you luck with "Birdie", and just try your best to keep an invisible "Do not disturb" sign on that nasty Ecollar........:wink:

[bbslovie]

Hi, just a quick update, Peaches, my little lovie, is doing much better with the collar. He was having quite a time getting used to it but has it all figured out now. He's getting around the temp cage much better. Thanks so much for the input, it really helps knowing there are many others out there that can offer advice and expertise! I'll let you know how it's going with our birdie. :happy:

[bbslovie]

Hi, last night my husband and I noticed that Peaches was not eating or drinking much :( and that the area around the neck was red and irratated :( so we temporarily have removed the collar (found it's opening once we removed the surgical tape). Birdie immediately began eating and drinking :) and preening normally, even took a little bath. Noticed feather growth in the trouble spot so that's good. We will be contacting the dr. today.

[LauraO]

Whew! It's a good thing you were paying attention. Hopefully, the vet has an alternative collar or some ideas about what to do.

[michael]

Im sorry to hear the collar has resulted in irritation around Birdie's neck. At least you noticed this before it became worse and can maybe refit to help minimize or stop the problem. In the meantime, I would provide as much mental stimulation as possible. Not necessarily "too much" human interaction, but toys, foraging exercises, and anything you can think of to keep your Birdie occupied, especially if she needs to be caged for any length of time. Misting should be considered because many birds will only wet their bottom half. An indirect introduction to misting if gradually accepted directly can become part of a daily routine eventually benefiting more feather and skin area which could provide relief and less attention to area's that may be hot spots for dryness and irritation. Diet of course is another very important factor when dealing with feather destruction. Besides certain diet deficiencies playing a hidden role in some self mutilation cases, we already know a balanced diet can only add to theirs and yours future benefit.

You know, I'm curious as to what led to the necessity of Birdie having to wear an Ecollar. At 7 months does she have a history of self mutilation? Was the infection you had earlier refered to a result of picking her skin? And above all, has your vet ruled out any possibilty of this being a medical issue instead of a behavioral one? The problem with some medical reasons is unless they are ruled out at the very first onset of feather or skin damage, there's a possibilty of them becoming behavioral as well. Something we truly wish to avoid.

[bbslovie]

Hi, here's the backstory on Peaches. Peaches came down with an infection in mid Dec. :x I had adopted Peaches in May '07 and the Dr. told me that Peaches was approximately 2 years old. The Dr. did a thorough exam and birdie was given antibiotics. Unfortunately, Peaches had a relapse where it was necessary to take him to the emergency clinic. :x The emergency clinic contacted our regular dr and colaborated on his treatment. :) They did a nasal swab and more tests and prescribed more antibiotic. Peaches had to stay at the emergency clinic overnight and the next day I took him in to our regular Dr. where she took him home overnight to make sure he was going to be ok! :) The culture came back from the emergency clinic and we found out that the infection was resistant to the antibiotic that was prescribed and changed to a different one. That one did the trick and cleared up the infection. :)

At the time that Peaches came down with the infection in Dec. he also was digging at his back and making a screaching noise. :confused: I discussed this with the Dr. and took him back in to see them. They didn't find any sign of plucking or anything else at that time.:confused: Peaches started plucking feathers and causing a bald spot on his upper left wing area three days after coming home from the emergency clinic :omg: I took him in to the Dr. the next day. So the plucking started due to an infection and hopefully with the collar we can curb the behavior so it doesn't continue. :)

[michael]

Thank you for the insight to what may have very well led up to Birdie's plucking. We know that sometimes plucking will begin in an area nearby where various infections or illness share a close proximity, such as in respiratory infections which can result in self mutilation occuring in the upper back between the wings. Hopefully like you say, this course of action will curb this behavior before it becomes an ongoing habit. Since yesterday, have you managed to place the collar back on yourself, or did the vet do this instead?

[bbslovie]

Hi, I took birdie into the vet and the Dr. replaced the collar. Birdie is adjusting nicely and we're one week down with two to three weeks to go! :) The Dr. put the same collar back on but if this doesn't work out we're looking at one that she described as a "turtleneck" looking collar. She prefers the type he is currently using so we are going to give it another try. We're keeping our fingers crossed!

[michael]

Well, thanks again for the updates. We'll be praying that someday Birdie will no longer need an Ecollar. Either way, whether there's any changes or not keep us posted on how he's doing. Take care....:)

[bbslovie]

Hi, just a quick update, Peaches is doing well and has adjusted to the collar nicely. His feathers are growing back and he doesn't have anymore bald spots! :) I take him back to the Dr. next week so hopefully we'll get some good news for our little guy!

[michael]

:rofl: ..Ok..Birdie...Peaches...Peachbirdie...Birdeache's . I think your lovebird has a dual personality! :) ...Well, whichever one of them decided to pluck a few feathers, hopefully she'll teach the other one its not such a good idea! You know, I've read about parrots that will pluck a few feathers for different reasons other than it being the start of a bad habit. While its good to catch these habits well in advance, a little extra preening from a molt or pulling a few breast feathers in preparation of keeping their babies warm could mean their not really pluckers after all. I'm optimistic that by chance this may be Peaches only problem. I really hope so. Best of luck with her next vet visit...........:)

[bbslovie]

Hi, just a quick update on Peaches. We removed the collar on the evening of the 5th and on the evening of the 7th noticed he had plucked again in a different spot farther under his wing.:( We spoke with the Dr and put the collar back on to give that area a chance to grow back. Peaches seems to be in good health otherwise so that's good.:) He sure wasn't happy:mad: about having that collar back on though!

[LauraO]

Thanks for the update. Those of us who have lovies, or other parrots, who pluck feel your pain. It's very hard to get a bird to stop plucking once they start. Our lovie Greenie is a plucker. When he initially started plucking, he was found to have a baterial and yeast infection. Once that was cleared up, he continued to pluck. He's had complete workups by two really really good vets and there is nothing medically wrong with him at this point. We collared him for over a year, but I have sort of given that up. He can really bloody himself up good, but I've found that he sort of hits a threashold of scabbiness and I just try and keep an eye on his wounds.

Good Luck with BB:)

[bbslovie]

Hi Laura, thanks for sharing that!:) What can I use on our bird's skin that helps the bald area and is safe for the bird? Also, Peaches lost quite a few feathers around his neck area where the collar was too, I just summed that up to the lesser of evils. It is so darn hard to see him in that thing!:( I know he just hates it!:mad:

[LauraO]

We've been told that putting stuff on Greenie's skin is not really necessary and can actually cause him to pluck more. We do use 100% aloe gel if we use anything. You can really only get this at health food stores as most aloe gel is 99% and/or has a bunch of additives.

I would watch BB's neck. If he's losing feathers there, it could cause further plucking in him. It seems as if birds who pluck will start plucking any and everything that is irritated. It's an uphill battle that never seems to end. While this is not true for everybird, you may want to prepare yourself that BB may never stop plucking.

[bbslovie]

Hi, well we tried it for about a week without the collar and he started plucking again. :( I just took Peaches back to the vet today. The Dr. put on a new collar, a "turtleneck" style and he just hates it! :mad: He has to stay in this for the next couple of weeks, I'll let you know how it goes. :)

[bbslovie]

Hooray, progress at last!:clap The "turtleneck" collar stayed on for about 2 1/2weeks before Peaches chewed it off lol!:rofl: During that time all of his feathers that he had previously plucked off grew back and he hasn't resumed plucking! :clap I spoke to my vet about a possible connection to plucking and the removal of his happy hut. :confused: Back in mid Dec before his illness I found that he had become quite attached to it >o and took it out. Oops! Who knew?!:blush: I replaced the hut and now he's back to his old happy self again. :D