My bird is suddenly falling off perch, shaking, plucking. What to do?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While it is unclear what may be going on, an examination would be very helpful. I highly recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check what may be going on so that it can be treated accordingly. Good luck!

Thanks fore reaching out about Chica. She does appears very poorly feathered and would be concerned something serious is occurring. First of all, you should seek an appointment with an experienced avian veterinarian. Nutritional deficiencies (calcium, protein, vitamin A, etc.) are only one of the possibilities. Diseases that affect the kidneys or liver, affect how the body assimilated proteins, and therefore feather growth. Quivering and shaking could be signs of being cold, but also tremors such as mild seizures. Once, again, you would do best by seeing an avian veterinarian as soon as possible. Good luck.

If you are sure she is not actually pulling them out then here are some reasons why the feathers could just be falling out. 1. Dermatitis: skin infections a. bacterial, fungal or viral b. chemical (e.g., nicotine absorbed from the caretaker's fingers) c. allergic (unproven at this time). 2. Folliculitis: inflammation of the feather follicles 3. Malnutrition: nutritional imbalances are a common cause of illness in our pet birds. Seeds should compose less than 20% of the diet. A balanced pelleted diet like the Harrison's you are feeding should be fed as well. Hard boiled egg yolk, pancakes and cornbread, the tops of fresh greens, dairy products such as yogurt and cheese, fresh fruits such as apples, pears, melon, kiwi, and berries, vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, beets, asparagus, cabbage, sweet potato, and squash, and even tiny pieces of meat should be offered. 4. Environmental conditions: extremes of humidity, aerosol contamination and cigarette smoke. 5. Underlying medical problem: liver pathology, osteomyelitis (bone infection), pancreatic disease, renal disease, neoplasia (cancer), underlying abscesses 6. Reproductive activity/inactivity 7. Parasites: mites and lice 8. Stress I strongly recommend you get her to an avian veterinarian for an exam and some testing. At her age I would be worried about an underlying health issue (#5 above). You vet will need a thorough history which should focus heavily on the bird's interaction with its environment and the people and other animals around it. My guess is that some diagnostics will be needed in the form of blood and urine tests and whole body X-rays. Skin biopsy may also be recommended. Be sure to use a vet that is well-versed in treating birds. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Thanks for reaching out about Peach. Shaking can be from many reasons. Being too cold is one, most parrots are comfortable in 80-85 degree weather. They shiver to create heat. Covering the cage will not generate any additional heat, so a heat lamp should be provided. Shaking can also result from being sick. A veterinary visit is needed to arrive at a diagnosis and treatment plan. Good luck.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is quite concerning. While it is unclear what is exactly going on, this sound serious as it may mean that Heather is very weak due to whatever disease is affecting her. This warrants a veterinary evaluation as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to proceed with a proper examination and a formal diagnosis so that therapy can be started. I am hoping for the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is quite concerning as it may be due to a serious illness such as an infection causing him to be weak. I highly recommend you have him evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check on what may be wrong so that therapy can be started as soon as possible. I am hoping for a speedy recovery!

Those are all very general signs of illness in a bird. It would be a good idea to get Blue to a vet as soon as possible to try and determine what may be causing his symptoms. Until you can get to your vet, keeping him in a warm hospital cage with low/no perches and food and water that is easy to get in and out of may help.