using a hudmidifier with plucking bird- HELP

[Petmom]

I have a new african grey and he is afeather plucker, I can hear him and his feathers sound very dry, How do I properly use the hudmidifier aroud him. How often, How close to cage, anything. Thanks

[FairY]

I've heard that placing it near the cage if most effective. And, as many times as is necessary to keep the air 'moist'

[DaffyToons]

In addition to the humidifier, you could give him a mist bath. I do it for my guys early in the day so their feathers are sure to be dry by the time they go to bed, and they enjoy it so much! I bought a new spray mister (not a recycled one that had chemicals in it at one point) and I fill it with lukewarm water. I spray it over their heads so the mist gently falls on them. They lift their wings up so that I can get every inch. Very comical!

Jen

[kyparamedic]

For those using humidifiers, are you using the cool-mist type or the warm-air ones? I have a cool-mist one with the invisible vapor but there really isn't a noticeable difference in humidity, although I haven't actually checked it with a meter.

Thanks.

[Monique]

Great advice so far. You can add aloe vera to the mist bath to help soothe the skin. Also if you have not already, a vet visit is in order to look at possible medical causes.

[Talon]

Our vet recommended a warm air, not cool air. The warm air one heats the water up enough to kill any bacteria that is in the humidifier and or water. We keep it near Talon's cage and play area.

[judygram]

Talon what brand and kind of humidifier do you use? And do you still use it in the summer when the air is moister? I am thinking of getting one for Josey as her skin is dry.:dry:

[Talon]

Judy, I find that there is not as much dust when she shakes now. And she seems to be less itchy with herself.
As far as the brand, it is a Bionaire brand. But upstairs in the room she sleeps in, I bought a warm air humidifier from the same place I bought my air cleaners from, JWR bird systems. That one is supposed to be better. I haven't been using them much in the warm weather, as I keep the windows open almost all the time. It seems pointless in the summer as it can get pretty humid here.
But I definitely saw a big difference in the winter using them. I have 3 we use, as we have a big house, one near each place Talon spends most of her time.

[judygram]

Thanks Penny, it gets very humid here in the summer so I use the A/C all summer, but the winters get cold and my husband likes to use the wood burning fireplace in the family room where she stays and the air can get dry. I will definitely check into it before wintertime.
B)

[Talon]

I would, especially with a wood stove. Nothing dries the air out more than that. Josey will probably feel better. :cheer: