feather plucking & blocked preen gland gland

[Susanne @ Paws & Feathers]

Hi there...

First time posting...newbie here...was reading your posts on blocked preening glands and feather plucking...6wks ago I adopted a poor little guy that had some real plucking issues..he was back bald and most of his under feathers have been chewed badly..he still has feathers on his wings..but his red tail feathers were 90% missing...all he ate was zoo preen fruit pellets and drank and was sprayed/misted with hard water..I have been feeding him fruit and veggies and pasta..whole grain rice..small amount of seed...and showers with bottled water 2-3 times a week and mist everyday he is not showered...all the down has returned and new feathers are sprouting up everywhere...which is good..no wing/flight feathers yet and on 2 occasions he tried to fly off his cage and landed on his feet and chest with a thump...poor guy but luckily he was fine...how do you know if the gland is blocked...want to do the best for this guy...never had a plucker before...I have a B&G macaw since he was 5mths and a Indian Ringneck...a cockatiel...and raise aussie and african finches...all very healthy and never had any issues so far knock on wood...also can you suggest anything to keep him moist/oiled for lack of better words...his old feathers were very brittle...new ones seem much more plyable...that is where the gland question comes in what to make sure all is well...thanks a million to all who helps...

[Lisa B]

hi suzanne....i will be back on this post to try to help...i'm just headin off to bed and didnt want you to think i was ignoring you

[RXE]

hi sue...misting everyday with pure aloe juice diluted with 2/3rds water is really beneficial to our greys considering how dry and dusty they get, they dont itch alot when misted with aloe/water mix, you could also try adding some red palm oil to his diet about 1/4 teaspoon 2 times a weeks, over his veg or fruit if you cant feed through syringe or spoon, even on toast as long as his getting it. iv found these to be really helpful in maintaing my cag's beatiful feathers and health.

[Lisa B]

I hope this is of some help
http://www.thegreyroost.com/preengland.html

[Susanne @ Paws & Feathers]

thanks..will try...but since I posted I gave him a shampoo with "pluck no more" shampoo and it has REALLY work...he is growing in nicely....I would really recommend this product...I didn't even need to use the spray just the shampoo...once amonth