Do you have anything in liquid form for feather growth for an African gray who plucks on his chest?

Dear Elly

I am unsure as to what I can recommend specifically for your birds plucking.

First off, have you take your bird to your avian vet? Health issues need to be ruled out before you can fully help your bird.

For example, has your bird been micro-chipped? They do so in the chest muscle and sometimes it is irritating to the bird and if so, may need to be removed. Also, if your bird has an internal issue, the vet can look for the problem, it can also be a broken feather end that is poking him. All of these and others need to be checked out.

Then your home set up is next:

Is your birds cage large enough to get exercise? 30" wide minimum. Or does it get out of the cage several hours a day to move around?

Is it lonely? It is alone all day while you work? Leave a radio or TV on to a cartoon channel if possible.

Does your bird have at least 10-12 toys to occupy it? Are they of different materials? Cloth, rope, plastic, wood and some of the toys can hold treats and such to allow your bird to use some of its time foraging for its rewards? Foraging toys click here

The air quality of the home, is it dry? If so, a humidifier is helpful. Do you have forced air heating or fan blowing into the cage or on the bird? if so, move the cage and or turn off the blower. winter care tips click here

Is something frightening your bird? If you cage is placed in front of a window, the sight of a hawk flying by could traumatize your bird and the cage should be moved to another location.

Is your birds cage in a room that those in the household do not frequent often? He could be lonely. A day stand, small to large should be placed in all of your family rooms so your bird can join you and be part of the flock.

Food, what are you feeding your bird? A good mix of seeds, nuts, fruit and pellets?

Any fresh fruits and veggies? Even a chicken wing is a good source of protein and healthy oils.

Proper nutrition can help with plucking, consider adding Palm Oil to your birds diet. This is very much toted as helpful with feather nutrition.

Understanding your birds needs and fears is difficult as we do not speak bird, but a good bird behaviorist can also be useful. Consider this website www.thePoliteParrot.com

I wish you the best.