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Feather problems

21 16:18:13

Question
I have an 8 year old male cockatiel. I noticed his feathers were looking weird, and pretty soon, his feathers looked very chewed up. I think its feather chewing, but Im not sure. Heres a photo: http://img229.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscf0138wz3.jpg

I've tried multiple things to get him to stop chewing his feathers. His feathers aren't getting any worse, but I'm not sure whether he has actually stopped chewing.

He also refused to bathe. I've tried, but I can't get him to bathe himself.

What do you think his problem is, and what should I do about it? Also, what are some foods that could help with feather growth?

Answer
Well putting him on Roudybush pellets instead of seed or other commercial foods helps produce healthy, bright feathers. It doesn't look like he's chewing his feathers, they just look like he needs a good bath. Some 'tiels just hate baths, so here's what I do with them: If you have a shower head that comes down from the wall (hand held one) then put the bird in the bathtub, and "chase" it around with the shower head until it's nice and wet. It does NOT hurt the bird or anything. Just pick him up when the bath is done, pet him a lot, and act like you "rescued" him from the "evil shower". He will not lose trust in you this way. If you don't have a hand-held shower head, just hold him under the shower head until he's nice and wet. He probably wont preen himself, but he will shake his feathers out a lot to get the water out. This will "clean" the feathers, and then he will oil the feathers which will give them a smooth appearance. It may take a couple days of bathing to completely look better, but it will get better.
I also noticed that he's got some pin feathers on his head. After the bath, dry him off a little with a towel (pet him with the towel until he's not dripping anymore) and this will help break down the pin feathers and make him look even more smooth and healthy.