coala schrieb:Hallo ihr Liebe,
auf unserem Markt ist jetzt neues Mittel gegen zupfen ins Anbot gekommen
ich habe auf den Seiten gesucht und in englischer Sprache habe ich das da gefunden: http://www.plucknomore.com/
![[Bild: pluckblu.gif]](http://www.plucknomore.com/images/pluckblu.gif)
kennt und hat Erfahrungen mit diesem Produkt jemand von Euch?
ich wäre dankbar fuer weitere Informationen
das Ding kostet nicht wenig und die Mitglieder in unseren Ländern legen Hoffnung in dieses Präparat ich glaube aber das wenn es so "super" wäre wuerde ich ja doch schon bei eueren Seiten schon lange her auf dieses Präparat gestossen oder?
danke Iveta
Hallo Iveta hier ist ein ARtikel ueber Federrupfen, ist jdoch leider AUf englisCh..
:
A logical approach to Feather plucking
By Marcus von Kreft copyright
Introduction
It is very difficult to write about this topic with just focusing on the possible medical causes, which will be discussed later on. It should be common knowledge by now, that parrots are social intelligent creatures and that the majority of the parrot species live in a very complex environment in their native habitat. Therefore, behaviour and ecology of each individual parrot species that shows this stereotypical behaviour has to be considered, as well as the possible medical causes to try to “cure” or one should better say to control the problem. It is vital for the well being of the parrot, that the owner learns, as much as possible about the life history, shown in the wild, of the kept species as far as known today. The owner must know, that no matter how much effort is put in to try to resolve the problem, there is no guaranty that the bird will either fully or ever recover it might be to late to reverse the behaviour. Feather plucking in the larger parrots should be considered as a behavioural problem, until proven otherwise (Earle and Prowse, 2000). The reason for this statement could be for example the fact, that parrots show naturally a lot of oral activity. They relay on their beak to preen their feathers, open seeds and explore unfamiliar objects. If one takes the time to observe how often parrots use their beak if given a stimulating environment, it doesn’t come to a surprise, that if given no opportunity to fulfil the natural need to use their “third hand”, that they then can start to pluck their own feathers. At first, they only might show over grooming behaviour. This might then lead or develop into feather plucking if no appropriate action is implemented immediately. Another reason for this kind of displacement behaviour, could be caused for instance by the natural need to forage for food. This is done again with the help of their beak. Where this is not possible in a captive situation might then be displaced by the above mentioned over grooming to try to compensate for this lack to express natural behaviour (Meehan et al. 2003) also (Grindlinger, 1991). In a captive environment where changes never occur and instead the same routine happens day after day, then those stereotypes are likely to occur. Birds that have no chance to express in anyway natural normal behaviour such as exploring their environment, looking for food or to socialise with their own kind are therefore likely to develop this undesired behaviour (SAN, 2003). However, the available literature (for non academics) in regard to feather plucking is lacking on crucial facts. E.g., that the majority of plucked birds are kept on their own. In addition, the majority of the birds kept as pets have after the novelty of the owners wear’s of, a very non-stimulating environment to cope with.
Wing clipping a possible cause?
Feather clipping so often stated as cause for feather plucking doesn’t distinguish the different way’s how feathers can be clipped nor does any scientific research exists in what way feather clipping is really related as cause for a bird to pluck its feathers. No matter how often it will be repeated in avian and veterinarian magazines all over the world. “The clipping of the wing flight feathers by owners, the breeder or even the veterinarian are also often seen as a cause of feather plucking. However, having had the opportunity to follow several groups of hand-reared parrots through weaning and feather clipping, it is clear that it is not the feather clipping at weaning that makes the bird pluck its feathers some months or even years later, but the inherent behaviour and ecology of the individual bird, whether wing clipped or not” (Earle and Prowse, 2000). In addition, the author of this report clipped and still does some of his birds from time to time if kept indoors. Some of the birds are still today with the author and many years in his care. Some still are kept as pets and others are mated up and accommodated in aviaries. None of the clipped birds did ever start plucking its feathers. Could it be related to the way of clipping? Could it actually be that the clipped birds have more to explore, because they have actually even though clipped more freedom?
The Cage environment as possible cause?
In a study (Meehan et.al, 2003), it was investigated, whether feather plucking in parrots was related to physical complexity of the cage environment and foraging opportunity. The study showed a significant change (improvement in feather condition) in feather plucking behaviour in the enriched group. Over a period of 48 weeks the cages of the enriched group got a greater physical complexity or by placing devices that required the birds to forage for there food to obtain it. The researchers assessed the feather condition by a ten point system and did veterinary tests to assure no medical condition caused the feather plucking in the not enriched group. Foraging devices were used more frequently than other enrichment devices such as toys. Most pet parrots have their food placed conveniently in a food dish once per day mostly in the morning. The acquisition of food as in the wild becomes therefore not a daylong activity instead, it happens in a matter of minutes. On top of that comes the lack of space and lack of stimuli in a captive environment to keep their mind stimulated (Elliot, 2003).
Visit to the vet
Long lists of possible medical causes have been published and are still so today e.g. (Jenkins, 1999) as well as (Chitty, 2003) additionally (Forbes, 2001). Because of these, potential medical causes of the abnormal behaviour, the feather plucked bird should be extensively tested for the presence of various infections, endo and ecto-parasites, Chlamydia as well as for haematological, biochemical and hormonal abnormalities. These test are regarded vital by many veterinarians to assess whether a medical problem caused the plucking. Only after these tests have been carried out and no medical reason caused the bird to pluck then it can be investigated what else might have caused the problem (e.g., husbandry regime, poor socialisation of the bird during the hand rearing process). However, not all vets agree that there is a medical problem in the first hand that triggered the plucking behaviour. “The facts are that very few, if any, of the conditions and diseases such as Chlamydia, which are often listed as possible causes of feather plucking, will cause the larger parrots to pluck their feathers. It is much more likely that the plucking birds were more susceptible to the disease because of the feather plucking than the other way round. I have treated a fair number of feather pluckers with Chlamydia for instance, but none of them even considered, stopping plucking when the Chlamydia cleared”(Earle and Prowse, 2000). As stated in a medical veterinarian report (Chitty, 2003), feather plucking is a syndrome and not a diagnosis – means many contributing factors have to taken into consideration. Therefore, veterinarian (experienced in avian medicine) and owner should work as close together as possible to try to find the cause for the problem. This is done in the first step with an extensive history of the bird.
History of the bird
The history is vital because it gives the vet ideas about the possible cause of the problem. Whether they might be medical or behavioural caused. However, it does not avoid the physical examination that should be done in any case to rule out medical causes. It is vital for the veterinarian that the owner is honest with the answers and doesn’t hold anything back because he or she might be embarrassed of the condition of the bird. It is also crucial that the owner acts immediately if he / she is aware of the problem and not waits until the condition of the bird gets even worse. It is not important if the owners feel embarrassed, caused maybe by lack of knowledge, it is more important to help the bird to reverse this behaviour.
The list of questions can be enormous. However, every little detail might be vital to try to establish the cause of the plucking. The example questions below (for full list see below references) and the following physical examination of the bird, can give the vet an idea what to look for. Ideally, the questionnaire should be handed to the owner before he brings the bird into the surgery. Even better, the vet should visit the bird at the owners home before the bird is brought into the surgery. This has the advantage that the vet can see for himself in what condition the bird is kept. The owner of the bird should bring beside the bird some dropping samples at his first visit. The samples can be easily collected by placing newspapers on the bottom of the cage. If any plucked or chewed feathers are available, they should be brought to the vet as well (Chitty, 2003). Quick conclusions from the Questions should be avoided. Questions could be standardized as follows based on: (Jenkins, 1999) additionally (Chitty, 2003) also (Forbes, 2001).
Questionnaire
What diet is the bird offered? What does it actually eat?
What type of cage does the bird have? How is the cage furnished?
Do you supply natural branches for chewing, if how often? What toys?
How big is the cage and where in the house does it stand?
Is the bird allowed out of its cage for several hours each day? If so does it fly?
Is there exposure to heavy metals, especially zinc?
What is the source of the bird? How long does the owner have the bird?
Does the bird live with any birds? Has it ever lived with any birds?
What kind of species birds?
Is the bird hand reared or parent reared? If hand reared, alone or with other siblings?
What is the age, species and sex of the bird?
Is the bird regularly sprayed with water? Does the bird have access to natural sunlight (outsight)? How dry or humid is your house, e.g. do you have central heating?
Does the bird only go to one person in the household?
Is the bird wing clipped or was it ever wing clipped? If, how was the wing clipping done? Any previous medical history available?
How long has the bird been feather picking and what was its age? What month did feather picking start?
Has the bird feather picked in the past, stopped and then resumed picking?
Is there a seasonal pattern? Is the picking associated with the moult?
Do you see the bird actually picking? Does the bird pick when you are absent?
If the bird picks when your are present, how does it act? Itchy or not itchy?
Physical Examination and some possible medical causes
The veterinarian will look for signs of inflammation of the skin, how the bird appears in the surgery e.g. fluffed or well and bright. Does the beak and claws seem overlong? What areas of the body are affected? How do the remaining feathers appear? Are there shiny, any stress marks on them, or do they appear dry (Chitty, 2003)? He will look for signs of dystophies on the body – means that the bird is not able to develop e.g. feathers. Are the feather follicles inflamed? If the bird for example has no feathers on its head, this could be caused by dermatitis. Alternatively, in the event that the bird has a mate, caused by plucking from its mate. Another reason could be caused by a food allergy. Another allergy (house mites) could even be triggered by the dust cloud that is created, if the hover is used around the cage! To give an idea how many different medical causes can trigger feather plucking here are some examples.
Allergies, many birds show signs of pruritus (inflammation of skin). Either seasonal or if a food allergy is involved are puritus (itchy) the whole year. Birds that suffer from aspergillosis show can show this itchy skin for example and can start to pluck their feathers (Forbes, 2001).
Ectoparasites, often blamed but rarely the cause. A white cloth around the cage during the night will show the next morning if mites or lice are present.
Endoparasites, protozoa parasites or worms that live in the gut of the birds might trigger the plucking in particular around the vent area (Chitty, 2003) or underneath the wings (Forbes, 2001). Therefore a faecal sample as mentioned above is necessary to determine their presence or not (Chitty, 2003).
Inability to regular bathing can trigger plucking in birds. This is a very common cause (Forbes, 2001). Many itchy birds will (and would) benefit from a daily bath.
Liver disease can cause an itchy skin and therefore can trigger the plucking behaviour. This liver disorder can be caused by psittacosis that is almost the commonest cause of liver disease (Forbes, 2001) additionally (Jenkins, 1999). However, many Liver problems are caused by malnutrition. When the bird is feed a high amount of sunflower based seed.
Dermatitis and folliculitis, to determine what caused the plucking the vet has to know where the bird is itching. Does it itch at the skin (dermatitis) or does it actually itch on its feathers (folliculitis). Therefore, the feather follicles have to be examined. It is important to point out, that an infection might be present even though no inflammation might be observed (Forbes, 2001) also (Chitty, 2003).
Neoplasia, (tumour caused) can cause feather plucking over a tumour for example that can be caused by skin cancer or caused by the plucking in the first place. Other tumours involved in feather plucking can be for example adenocarcinoma that affects the preen gland (Forbes, 2001).
Malnutrition is a very common cause in pet birds that can cause to feather plucking. The reason might be a dietary deficiency, or digestive abnormality. Lack of being exposed to unfiltered sunlight, which is important to develop vitamin D3 for calcium absorption or vitamin A deficiency for example.
Tests to determine medical causes and why they should be implemented, taken from (Chitty, 2003)
Haematology - the study of the Blood
White and red blood cell count. Raised levels of white blood cells are associated with inflammation. Low numbers of red blood cells can be signs of malnutrition, viral infections and stress for example.
Biochemistry
Protein levels, uric acid, cholesterol and calcium levels for example. The reason is to determine whether the liver and kidney function is normal. Alternatively, if the blood calcium and protein levels are normal or not. These tests can again show in what condition (nutrition and inflammatory status) the bird is.
Zinc toxicosis
Blood serum test (to see the levels of zinc within the blood) Blood zinc levels of more than 2ppm (means part per million) are regarded as evidence of zinc toxicosis (McMillan, 1999). A study in California showed that from 43 cockatoos, 37 had zinc toxicosis and 34 of them were feather plucking. 79 percent of the birds stopped feather plucking and recovered after treated for zinc toxicosis (Van Sant, 1998). However, it is important to know that some species e.g. the above mentioned cockatoos have normally (naturally) higher zinc blood levels than 2ppm.
Sexing (if not known)
Done either by taking a blood sample or by plucking some chest feathers of the bird. Samples send to the lab for DNA sexing. The sexing gives cues to hormone levels involved on skin function and sexual behaviours that might trigger the plucking, e.g. a female bird might pluck the area on her belly where the brood patch is.
Skin acetates – skin cytology
Skin infections and inflammation are very common in feather plucking birds. The skin cytology (study of skin cells) therefore allows diagnosis and assessment of these disorders. Examples: Hyperkeratosis – means too much keratin, an inappropriate inflammatory response, abnormal bacteria, or an overgrowth of fungus. The cytology may suggest general in immune system suppression and should lead to look for diseases like aspergillosis. Cytology may suggest specific types of treatment approaches (Jenkins, 1999).
Faecal staining
The faecal staining is important because it can show if the gut flora shows any kind of infection and is an indication of poor health and diet. In addition, of the presence of parasites.
Circo virus -Psittacines beak and feather disease PBFD
Destroyed not well-developed feathers and an overlong beak and claws (deformed) can be signs of the disease in particular if the owner never sees the bird plucking or chewing its feathers. Birds with circo virus have a very poor outcome and are a very high risk to other birds. Species most susceptible are old world species such as cockatoos and African grey parrots. Often feather development becomes increasingly abnormal with each moult. These birds usually do not have a puritic skin (itchy). (Jenkins, 1999).
Treatment and control of feather plucking
As example Malnutrition
Malnutrition should be suspected if the owner describes a diet with significant inadequacies e.g. standard parrot seed mixes, or if the plumage condition (stress marks for example or dry untidy plumage) suggests dietary deficiencies. Dietary problems are still common because the majority of owners have no idea about the dietary requirements of the kept species. Many owners give up when the bird doesn’t eat anything else than sunflower seeds for example. Therefore, some feather plucking in birds could be caused from an inadequate diet that acts as a stressor (Chitty, 2003). Additionally, there may be some species-specific nutritional needs that are not being met, or known-today e.g. increased selenium needs for African species (Jenkins, 1999). Deterioration, or long storage times of the seed food can be a source of fungal respiratory disease – aspergillosis (Chitty, 2003) Many birds that pluck seem to have low calcium levels as well (Jenkins, 1999). The fact that many pet birds are never being exposed to unfiltered sunlight, which is important to develop vitamin D3 for calcium absorption, has to be discussed with the owner. The diet should be changed with more vegetables high in vitamin A e.g. broccoli content or cocked pulses with some seed mixed. Plant protein is better absorbed in the blood stream and more natural for birds anyway. Alternatively, a formulated diet might be the answer that should normally be mixed with 40% vegetables and fruit. The author feeds his own birds (parrots) on the following diet, which is just slightly adjusted for individual species needs. Cooked pulses (commercial available Pigeon breeding mix) are mixed as follows three parts of the cooked pulses one part parakeet seed mix (dry) and either Hand rearing formula (18 % protein and 7% fat content) or egg food is added and stirred into the moist mix. On the next day, the birds get only fruit and vegetables cut into very small pieces and finally on the third day the above-mentioned mix made of fruit and vegetables and formulated diet for Psittacines. These three mixtures are supplied all year round, no matter if birds are breeding or not. Because all diets are offered on different days the birds take well to the offered food and receive a well balanced and variety diet. The egg or Hand rearing food that is added ensures that all vitamins, amino acids, minerals and calcium with vitamin D3 in the right calcium-phosphorus ratio (1,5) are feed and digested. It is always ensured that the offered food does not spoil so bacteria or fungi can’t grow; means food is supplied twice daily. A lot is written about diets for parrots and one thing comes across very clear they need variety in their diet to remain healthy and mentally stimulated (SAN, 2003) additionally (Kreft, 2004).
So, what is the solution?
Prevention is therefore by the author regarded as the best way to deal with the problem. If people want to buy a pet bird, they should be advised that from the well-being point of view, they should by two birds. The rumour that only single kept parrots would like to interact with their owners or if a owner decides to get his bird a partner bird (doesn’t has to be the same species), would have to put up with double the amount of noise, could not be proved in a implemented study (Meehan et.al, 2003 b). In fact, no significant difference in their willingness to interact with humans was recorded and no increase in screaming behaviour. Only single kept birds showed stereotypes and screaming behaviour. Advice has to be given to potential and existing parrot owners on simple husbandry regime. Bathing for example at least three times a week helps parrots in many ways. Bathing removes for example bacteria from the plumage and reduces therefore the risk to the immune system. “It is still debated whether fungus such as malassezia or aspergillosis are primary pathogens of the skin or whether they are able to get a foothold due to inflammation brought on by an allergic or hormonal response. Nevertheless, cleaning the skin reduces the ability of these organisms to get a grip and colonize the epidermis. Finally, bathing often helps birds with separation anxiety by giving them something to do (preening not plucking) during the critical first 30 minutes after the owner leaves the bird” (Jenkins, 1999). Owners must be made aware of this by their vet.
Keep those beaks busy!
Oral activity as mentioned in the introduction, is a natural behaviour for parrots. It is the widely unknown behaviour in terms of importance for their well being, to most owners, no matter private or professionals. If given the opportunity, parrots will use their beak all day long. Be it to manipulate food items, explore new objects; preen their plumage or preen their mate (if ones is there) or what they love most to chew on wood, there are after all cavity breeders –most of them. If one takes this normal behaviour and compares (only) this one behaviour with the given captive situation, the author dares to say; in at least 90 percent of cases, the kept birds have no opportunity to satisfy this oral behaviour. People must be made aware to keep a parrot means long-term commitment and yes hard work to keep up with their demands, before they purchase one. In addition, it means as well an ongoing learning about their needs to keep them stimulated and healthy. To keep those beaks busy foraging devises such as puzzle feeders where the birds have to work for favourite food items have to be supplied. Shred able toys have to be supplied, not just fancy looking plastic ones that appeal to the owner. Fresh branches to chew with lots of small twigs and leafs on them. Alternatively, the so often regarded as cruel wing clipping. I rather see a bird wing clipped (equal on both wings with just few – not all Primaries, half in length clipped Secondaries stay intact!), which is able to fly only a few meters and can enjoy its owners company be it in the garden or be it to be taken elsewhere. Than a bird that hardly comes out of its cage flies one round in the living room to exercise itself (?) and never experiences natural sunlight, wind, rain or a simple butterfly. Those birds because only exposed to the same routine day in and out, are the potential candidates for starting feather plucking.
Final note
Feather plucking in captive Psittacines is properly the most undesired and misunderstood behaviour in captive Psittacines. No matter if, birds are kept in private hand as pets. Alternatively, are held in animal collections in professional hands. In both situations, birds show this behaviour. Veterinarians are often overwhelmed when faced with the problem, unless they have experience in avian medicine and a private interest in ecology and biology of parrots. The opinions why birds can pluck their feathers are widespread. In addition, nobody has a real solution to the problem. Some claim it is caused by medical reasons (Jenkins, 1999) others claim it is a behaviour problem (Earle and Prowse, 2000). Personally, the author thinks it is probably both. Every case is different and has to be investigated on its own. Hand reared birds are often said to develop feather plucking. However, nobody knows for sure whether those hand-reared birds have been reared on their own or with other siblings to be socialised with other birds. The mentioned study with the cockatoos (zinc toxicosis) in relation to feather plucking makes sense. However, as stated still so much is unknown about what are normal zinc levels in parrots in the wild, to be sure if a bird suffers from zinc toxicosis. Cockatoos (as all parrots) are known for using their powerful beak to chew even on galvanized wire and therefore are at high risk. An idea would be to investigate how much of birds presented to vets are indeed tested for zinc toxicosis? A network should be created to obtain data of as much different parrot species as possible to see whether there is a correlation in regard to zinc or not. Every parrot chews and therefore the question is, aren’t they then all at risk of indigested zinc particles?
If owners act quickly and get advice from an avian vet immediately after being aware of the problem from when it starts, the bird has a good chance to recover. If both conditions - medical reasons and behaviour reasons for the plucking of the bird are taken into consideration, no bird has any reason to pluck their feathers in captivity. Providing changes for the welfare of the bird, have the upper hand and are implemented. To be effective, each enrichment program – changes in the birds environment, should be species specific and focus on behaviour and ecology of that species (Bohm, 1993) additionally (Mettke-Hofmann et.al, 2002). However, in some cases the ignorance of the owner, private and professional, seams to be more important and therefore the problem unfortunate for the birds persist.
References
Bohm, C., 1997. How to make birds be birds. In proceedings of the 2nd International Confernce on Environmental Enrichment:72-83. Holst, B. (Ed.). Frederiksberg: Copenhagen Zoo.
Chitty, J., 2003. Feather plucking in Psittacines birds 1. Presentation and medical investigation. In Practise Vol. 25 no 8 September 2003, Pages 484-493, British veterinary Association, London
Elliot,S.G., 2003. Why parrots need toys. [online], aviable at:
http://www.parrottoys.co.uk/article1.html [03/12/2003]
Earle, R. A., Prowse, L., 2000. Understanding Feather-Plucking In Parrots- A Behavioural Ecological Perspective. [online], available at:
http://www.parrotcompany.com/plucking.htm [03/04/04]
Forbes, N. A., 2001. Clinical approach to feather plucking. [online], available at:
http://www.lansdown-vets.co.uk [17/03/04]
Grindlinger, H., 1991. Compulsive feather picking in birds. Arch. Gen. Psychiatry. Vol 48, 857.
Jenkins,T., 1999. Basics of feather picking, A veterinary perspective. PBR Convention. SanFransico. [online], available at:
http://www.thebasicsof featherpicking.htm [ 17/03/04]
Kreft, M.H.H., 2004. Home sweet home- chose the right cage for your beloved parrot. Parrot magazine issue June 2004, Imax limited, Sussex
Kreft, M. H.H., 2004. Parrot behaviour study (2003 - 2004) Reactions in the behaviour time budget of Guaruba guarouba the Golden Conure in different designed aviaries at Paradise Park Hayle. Unpublished Data.
McMillan, R.J., 1999. Zinc and its danger for Parrots. [online] available at:
http://www.theparrotsocietyuk.org/zinc.htm [08/02/04}
Meehan, C.L., Millam, J.R. and Mench, J.A., 2003. foraging opportunity and increased physical complexity both prevent and reduce psychogenetic feather picking by young amazon parrots. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci.Vol. 80, 71-85.
Meehan, C. L., Garner, J. P., Mench, J. A., 2003. Isosexual pair housing improves the welfare of young amazon parrots. Appl. Anim. Behav. Sci. Vol. 81, 73-88
Mettke-Hofmann, C., Winkler, H., Leiser, B., 2002. The significance of ecological factors for exploration and neophobia in parrots. Ethology. Vol. 108. 249-272.
San, NG., 2003. Environmental enrichment for parrots in natural settings. [online], available at:
http://www.zoonews.ws/IZN/315/IZN-315.htm [03/12/03]
Van Sant, F., 1998. Zinc and parrots. [online] available at:
http://www.rescueme.org/zincand.htm [08/02/04]
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