Forget sock monkies...they're for the birds!

I was recently on a fellow birding blog and there was a question about feather plucking, which we all know can be devastating for us bird owners. We want our beauties to always be in the best of health and what's a bird with no feathers? So we feel compelled to do anything we can to help them look their best. 

Now I'm sure there are loads of wives tales and rumors out there as far as what really works and if there is something that you have tried for your feathered friend, please do share. We are going to share a fail safe method to saving your bird's plumage if the plucking is on the neck or chest...tube socks!

Yep, you heard correct, socks. Cut the foot off and slip the remaining cuff over the bird's head to cover the chest/neck, or where ever on the body they are plucking.  They will probably continue to pluck in the same area so make sure to have some extras on hand to replace those that they get through. A word of caution: Do make sure that it is not too tight. Birds need to be able to move their keel (chest bone) in order to breath, making the sock too tight can restrict this. If you can easily fit a finger between the sock and bird, this should suffice.  I would recommend washing the socks to loosen them up a bit.  

There are other ideas such as using Sour Apple to help stop plucking. The problem with this is that birds in general do not have a very strong sense of smell/taste, so this will not deter them much. Also if they do have open skin from the plucking, the Sour Apple can wind up irritating the skin and making it worse.  Now, if they are losing feather's on their head and they are alone in the cage, they may be rubbing it on the bars of their cage in which case you may consider moving their cage. They may be bothered by something in their environment, something like an air vent or even another bird in a different cage. Every scenario is different. Pets in general can pick up on many things going on in their environment...you as the caring owner just need to take a little quality time, sit and watch them and see what is irritating them.

Thank you for stopping by and again, if you have other methods for helping deter feather plucking, Please, share!