Ask Your Pet Question. Pet Experts Answer You ASAP.

(Not a Pet Question?)

MY COCKATEIL SUNNY

Sent to Pet Experts July 23 2006 at 3:21 PM
   

MY COCKATIEL SELF MUTIALATED HIMSELF WHILE I WAS AWAY ON VACATION. I PUT THE ELIZABETH COLLAR ON HIM SO THE AREA ON HIS CHEST CAN HEAL BUT HE TORE AND RIPPED UP HIS COLLAR TWICE. IS THERE ANYTHING THAT I CAN PUT ON HIM THAT CAN PREVENT HIM FROM GETTING AT THE AREA ON HIS CHEST WHILE IM AWAY AT WORK. EVERY TIME IT LOOKS LIKE IT IS HEALING HE PICKS AT IT AGAIN, THE VET TOLD ME THAT THIS WILL HAPPEN EVERY TIME I'M AWAY. IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO MAKE THIS AREA HEAL WHILE I'M AT WORK.
THANKS........

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
July 23 2006 at 3:42 PM (20 minutes and 51 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

Hi Cruz. There is a topical ointment that is good for this type of skin damage. It is called SSD. It is a 1% Silver Sulfadiazine cream. You will probably have to get it from your vet. However, that is only medicine for the injured area. It is not a plucking deterrent. I don't know of anything other than a proper E-collar that will keep him from plucking at it if he is determined. It sounds like you weren't given a proper collar for your bird. I have one that is clear plastic with a small strip of padding at the neck area and fastens with snaps. I can guarantee no bird will get out of that one without help. My Tiel who has needed one in the past even has help. Her mate has tried to hard to get it off her, it has little beak marks all around the outside edge. I am trying to imagine what kind of collar you had that the bird could get hold of well enough to get it off. I am going to give you a link to some information that will show you how you could make your own with a piece of foam pipe insulation. I know some folks have had great success with these. Just be very careful about making sure he can eat and drink with it on. Did your vet by any chance run any kind of tests on your bird? At the least, did he test a stool sample for Giardia or anything similar? I ask because there are usually only two reasons for a bird to pluck; a health issue or behavioral. I realize it's not impossible but it's very rare for a Cockatiel to pluck without a health issue as a contributing factor. Giardia is one of those reasons and not at all uncommon among Tiels. It's not a real serious thing so long as it's discovered and treatment is started right away. It usually doesn't amount to more than a 10-14 day course of oral antibiotics, (don't forget the probiotics if you go this route) and the ointment already mentioned. If a test was not done, I'd insist on one. All the ointments and collars in the world are not going help the little guy if he has a fungal issue, or anything else, going on. I hope this helps but if you have more questions, just let me know. Patricia

Click here: ParrotChronicles.com




If I've helped, please click the ACCEPT. Even if a deposit was made, I won't get paid until you accept. A bonus is always appreciated and leaving feedback benefits us both.
Think you can answer this question?
Login or Become an Expert

 

DISCLAIMER: You acknowledge that any information you may obtain from individuals you contact through use of the JustAnswer service comes from those individuals, not from JustAnswer, and that JustAnswer is not in any way responsible for any of the information these third parties may supply. The site and services are provided "as is" with no warranty and no representations are made regarding the qualification of an Expert. Responses and comments on JustAnswer are for general information and are not intended to substitute for informed professional advice (such as medical, legal, investment or accounting) and do not establish a professional-client relationship. JustAnswer is not intended or designed to address EMERGENCY QUESTIONS which should be directed immediately by telephone or in-person to qualified professionals. Please carefully read the Terms of Service.

JustAnswer > Pet