Important Note:
If your parrot has started plucking and you’re reading this to find out what to do, skip this and go to "Part 2: Help! My Parrot is Plucking Its Feathers. What Should I Do?" But before you read it, GRAB YOUR PHONE AND CALL YOUR AVIAN VET! In Part 2, I will discuss more emergency solutions to protect your parrot.
This is a bonus post of a 5 part mini-series about feather plucking in parrots. Be sure to subscribe so you won't miss this really important series.
Part 1: Feather Plucking or Molting?
Part 1: Feather Plucking or Molting?
Why Does My Pet Need A Plucking Poncho?
Okay, so your parrot (or perhaps, guinea pig, hamster, cat, dog, or other pet) just had surgery, has a medical issue, feather plucking problem, or other condition that requires a barrier to keep it safe. In the first few weeks, the “cone of same” provided this safe barrier (along with lots of giggles and jokes) but your vet gives you the ok to remove it. Now think about this, the “lampshade” head has become part of your parrot, and, as we all know, Parrots Hate Change!No parrot likes changes that are cold turkey (pun intended). So, with the okay of your avian vet, transition your parrot into a soft Elizabethan collar. It’s easy and inexpensive to make and it still provides protection without hindering your parrot’s mobility and much-needed play and foraging time.
In this post we will refer to these collars as plucking ponchos but they may also be called soft e-collar, soft Elizabethan collar, or soft collars.
Note
Remember, collars are only short-term solutions and do not cure the problem. The purpose of using a collar is to provide a barrier from your parrot further damaging itself. If your parrot has started plucking its feathers or any type of mutilation, you might try this inexpensive idea. Kiwi plucked for about a year and the best barrier solution we could find was an e-collar (Elizabethan collar) from the vet. As Kiwi’s health improved, we no longer had the need for such a strong collar. We wanted him to have more ability to play and forage and wean him off the collar.As always, check with your avian vet to see if this collar is a good option for your parrot.
What Should I Use to Make a Soft Collar for My Parrot
Color
To start, use a solid color similar to your parrots feather color. This is best because it won’t be as distracting or abnormal to them. As your parrot gets used to it, you may want to have fun with festive fabrics. But you might have to try a few before you find the one your parrot likes.The first fabric I purchased was a dark hunter green. It was the closest thing I could find to Kiwi’s green feathers. The first time I put it on him, he looked at me with a discussed glare in her eyes. Not because of the collar but because of the color of the collar. I then used the blue patterned fleece from the blanket I use to cover her cage. He did not mind that as much, and then I purchased hot-pink fabric. He seems to do well with that also. So, picking the fabric is really up to your parrot, not you.
Material
When picking a material for the soft collar, keep these things in mind:- The fabric you pick should be semi-ridged: so your parrot cannot easily tear it or pick under it.
- The fabric you use should not fray: so your parrot will not ingest fibers or get a thread wrapped around its neck, wing, leg, etc.
- The fabric you choose should be safe if ingested: I’m not saying fleece is safe if ingested, however, it’s the best option I have found. Don’t get a fabric with a metallic design, glitter, fluffy design, etc.
Why Polar Fleece Is The Best.
Polar Fleece, also known as Blizzard Fleece is the best choice. Fleece does not fray the same as most fabrics do.
Polar fleece, also known as Blizzard Fleece
- Good for no-sew projects [1].
- Two categories
- Anti-pill: tends to be a more high quality fabric, and doesn’t “ball up” or “pill” after several washes [1].
- Regular fleece (not anti-pill): cheaper, but will get little pills after wearing and washing [1],
- Polar fleece can come in different weights, [1]. Medium weight is the best and most common to find.
Micro Fleece-Don't Use
- Softer than polar fleece [1].
- One side has tiny (almost furry) fibers [1].
- It is thinner than the medium weight fleece. [1].
Minky Fleece / Cuddle Fleece-Don't Use
- Minky (also known as Cuddle) is more fur-like [1] therefore, it should not be used around parrots.
Coral Fleece-Don't Use
- Coral Fleece has a more fur-like texture [1] that may be harmful if used around parrots.
- Coral Fleece will shed and stretch more than polar fleece [1].
Below is a table of fabrics in the fleece family. I found the fabric composition on Joann.com.
How to Make a Parrot Poncho / Soft Collar
Materials
- Anti-Pill Blizzard Fleece
- Scissors
- Pattern (below)
- Your feather-lacking parrot.
Directions
- Cut the square pattern that best fits your parrot, you may need to customize it.
- Kiwi, the Hahns Macaw normally wears the 4,” but if I notice her plucking, she graduates to the 5.”
- Trace pattern and cut fleece.
- This doesn’t need to be perfect so skip tracing the pattern onto the fleece and just cut along the pattern.
- Fold the fleece square in half then half again to find the center.
- Again, don’t worry about having a perfect round circle for the parrot’s head, cut one (.5-1”) slit.
- When you unfold the square you will have nearly a perfect “X.” Snip to make it a complete “X.” Voila! You’re finished!!!
- If you choose, you can round the corners or use the circle pattern so the collar is even all around.
- Now, Slip it over your parrot’s head.
- Its usually easiest to start below the beak, bring it up around the beak then over the head.
- If it's too tight, make the “X” a little larger.
- If your parrot is able to slide it off, the “X” is too large, make a note so next time you will make it smaller.
- As feathers grow in thicker, you may need to adjust the “X.”
References
[1] Peterson, A. H. (n.d.). Which fleece is which? Your quick start guide to fleece. Retrieved December 20, 2015, from FleeceFun.com: http://www.fleecefun.com/1/post/2011/10/which-fleece-is-which-your-quick-start-guide-to-fleece.html
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