Poor Kiwi

[Sparky]

Just a thread to say, Kiwi is having some problems right now. This is her third year going through laying eggs (2006 thread, 2007 thread) and she was doing fine (in fact I took the eggs out this morning and that should have run its course). But then Sunday morning she had suddenly plucked her chest, her crop was totally bald. She wasn't listless or acting sick or anything though. And then this morning she'd moved to her back and the spot above her preen gland is all red from chewing. I don't think it's a stress-related thing, I think she may have a skin irritation or allergy of some kind. The earliest vet appointment I could get for her is NEXT Monday.

She's totally happy and eating well, playing and cuddling like normal. She's just...itchy. I'm cleaning up her cage and everything, checking for mites and stuff (haven't seen anything so far), and I got some kind of spray to soothe her skin I'll try tomorrow I guess. I just hope this isn't a big deal and that she doesn't have anything contagious, because if she's actually sick I won't be able to board her when we go to Comic-Con (I guess I'll have to take her to my dad's, a full hour away).

So...yeah. My poor Kiwi. I'm really worried about her right now.

[Ridureyu]

Pets are absolutely wonderful family members.

It could be that the hormonal change from egg-laying gave her an allergy? Have there been any changes in her environment or diet? Anything that might cause a small irritation but has inflamed?

[Sparky]

Nothing that I can think of, unless its parasites. I guess I just have to wait until the doctor does some tests. Unless it really is just nerves/stress. It's a mystery right now.

[Lynnie]

Poor Kiwi. I hope she feels better soon. My guess too is the hormonal changes. How old is she? I'm wondering if the hormones are becoming more potent with age or something. Either way though, I hope the doctor is able to find out what's wrong and she'll be ok. And hope she fares well until then, too.

Feel better Birdie!

[Sparky]

She'll be 11 in August.

[One Radical Dude]

Poor Kiwi. Here's hoping that her condition improves.

[pitbulllady]

Originally Posted by Ridureyu

Pets are absolutely wonderful family members.

It could be that the hormonal change from egg-laying gave her an allergy? Have there been any changes in her environment or diet? Anything that might cause a small irritation but has inflamed?

I was thinking the exact same thing. I know that many female dogs experience skin irritation that results in itching and hair loss either during their heat cycle, or while pregnant or nursing; Pit Bull Terriers are notorious for this, and it's not uncommon for a female APBT to go nearly bald by the time her pups are weaned, making people who don't know better think that the dog is being abused, but it's just hormones, as you said. I've even had female SNAKES(especially King Snakes, for some reason)who will develop little bumps or pustules under their scales right after laying eggs, for no apparent reason, so I've got to suspect hormones there, too. I DO know that many bird species deliberately pluck their breast feathers during the breeding season, to both line the nest with, and to expose a "brood patch" for incubating eggs, but I've never bred parrots, so I'm just making an educated guess on that one.

pitbulllady

[Mac-a-lacka]

Get well soon, Kiwi.

[Medikor]

Here's hoping that Kiwi's all right, Sparky. I know nothing about birds but it is flea and tick season. Fingers crossed that its nothing serious.

[jekylljuice]

Indeed, poor Kiwi. I really hope that she'll be back to her old self before very long. In the meantime, she'll be in my thoughts.