Look at this handsome devil! He looks like a new bird, but this makeover was not an easy one.
About 3 weeks ago Kosmo went back into the hospital. I brought him in because of increasing aggression offset by bouts of lethargy. I felt it was because of all the new feathers he was getting, none of which he could get at because of his collar. The poor little guy was in constant discomfort and angst. Imagine having a rash all over your body and living with a straightjacket!
For those of you non bird-people, let me explain. Birds constantly grow feathers, as we grow hair and nails, this process is called molting. If a feather becomes damaged, a new one will begin growing to replace it, so because Kosmo plucked, he had feathers growing in as replacements. Sometimes molting can be seasonal, during which most feathers are regrown. These full molts take a lot of energy out of the bird.
When new feathers come in, they are covered in a white protein case that protects them until they mature. When ready, the bird will break open this protein case with its beak or claws. The urge to free these encased feathers is very strong and birds in a full molt will work for hours preening themselves.
In addition to Kosmo’s replacement feathers, my poor baby went into a full molt, and because of the huge collar he was wearing, he couldn’t reach any of the new encased feathers to preen them, so he was in literal torment – I just couldn’t stand watching it anymore.
Since I couldn’t get his “dicky” collar off because it was bolted onto his neck, I brought him in to the vets and pleaded with them to take the collar off. They said they wanted to observe him first, so what could I do I left him there.
When I got home I started researching alternatives to traditional plastic collars. I found some stories about birds who had successfully transitioned to cloth collars. These can be put on and taken off using Velcro, they are less invasive than plastic collars and often have little tags sewed on them that the birds chew on (instead of themselves!)
Anyway, after some negotiations (hence the 10 days in the vets), the plastic collar was finally removed and Kosmo was allowed to preen his new feathers. Also, since he didn’t start back at plucking, he was given a cloth collar to wear at night only (see below) when I couldn’t monitor him.
In conclusion, 2 days before Christmas I got my baby back looking absolutely fabulous! He still has some bald spots, but he looks so much better. Unfortunately for me, it’s quite the fight to get the cloth collar on him at night and I have to keep a close eye on him, but so far so good, and most importantly, he is so much happier.
I am now hopeful that we have turned a corner on this problem. I know this type of issue is often chronic, but at least I have some knowledge and tools to help me deal with it.
On this optimistic note, Kosmo and I would like to wish you the best in health and happiness in the coming New Year and to encourage you to never give up; even when things look hopeless, they can always change.
Happy 2016 everyone!
rescuingkosmo 