mika plucking kano.

[maya_exquisite]

I had Mika before Kano. Unfortunately I didn't have the luxury of getting them acclimated to each other in separate cages and I had to just put Kano into the cage Mika had to herself for her first few years. There was a point when Kano was missing a whole patch of feathers behind her neck, due to Mika, within the first six months of them living together. Things had gotten better eventually but Mika has always been the big boss in the cage. To this day I still see her nip at Kano (but don't see her plucking out feathers) but majority of the time they get along. I can't separate them because I just don't have room to be having two adequate sized cages.

Anyway, my question is this: by looking at the photo below, do you think Kano looks this way (thin, permanent patches of skin where feathers used to be, redness on her legs) because of what Mika has done to her all these years? Or might it be something else?

The photo doesn't really showcase what I'm trying to talk about, but when I hold her to inspect her I see she's lacking in feathers around the back of her neck, under her wings, under her tail (I think this one is because she rubs her underside against the happy hut often), and has redness on her upper legs above the bend (you can actually see it on her left leg). As far as Kano's behavior goes, she acts normal. She eats fine, feces are fine. She doesn't hang out at the bottom of the cage or anything.

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa205/maya_exquisite2/lovebirds/kano1.jpg

Unfortunately I can't afford to take her to a vet. I hope someone can chime in... thank you!!

[linda040899]

Maya,
First question that comes to mind is do you know the sex of both of these birds? If not, you need to find out. It could mean the difference between life and death for Kano. Mika is obviously the dominant bird of the pair and they don't get along very well, at least part of the time. Two males will usually live together as happy campers but that's not true with two females. If Mika and Kano happen to get into a particularly vicious squabble, Mika is very capable of killing Kano. I've had it happen here a couple of times and it's not pretty. What you will find is a corpse on the bottom of the cage, the back of its head split open. (very colorful)

A separate cage will allow Kano to recover from injuries possibly inflicted by Mika. I've lived with lovebirds long enough to be able to say that sometimes they are lovebrats. Hens are naturally aggressive and territorial. Sounds like these two need their own space. Please give this serious consideration.

As for Kano's other issues, we are not veterinarians or vet techs and we don't have the ability to make suggestions sight unseen. Even photos will not allow us to see what you or a trained professional will see up close and personal. The injury to Kano's leg looks painful to me and you need to find out what is causing it. An avian veterinarian is the only way to do that. My own avian vet maintains that a lot of feather plucking has medical causes. You need to have Kano checked to either rule out medical causes or get treatment for the problem.

[lemonypickett]

Hi Maya, Welcome to our forum!

Do you have room for a stackable type cage? They wouldn't be able to see each other, but could still talk to each other. It wouldn't take up any more floor space either.

You might have some luck looking on Craigslist for an affordable used cage. You can usually get items on there for less than the person is asking too. Just make sure to clean it very well with a disinfecting cleaner so no germs get passed to your birds if you don't know the origins of the cage.

[linda040899]

The mainstay of my entire lovebird aviary is stackable cages!!!!! They are the greatest thing since sliced bread! Seriously, it's a good suggestion if it's workable.

[maya_exquisite]

They're both female, unfortunately. Aside from not having room for another cage, another problem is that this building doesn't allow pets. Birds included (which I think is so stupid and part of another rant *lol*). If I stack cages, I have no doubt they'd end up "chirping" (more like yelling) even more. With constant shrill chriping, I'm sure we'd be "found out." Even though I know for a fact there's at least two other apartments in my building that have lovebirds too 'cause I can hear them when I leave the house. At my place, we keep the cage in the bedroom and the window stays closed 24/7 but my bf can still hear them when he goes three-stories down to take out the trash. :( He's more concerned than I am because I've had lovebirds for almost 10 years so their chirp doesn't faze me at all and sometimes don't even hear it.

For those of you who do have stacked cages, do you notice more chatter because they're not physically able to be with each other?

I do have an extra, parakeet sized cage that I use as my emergency cage... when we get notices from our property manager that they'll be entering for maintenance or whatever, I transport them to the smaller cage and take them with me to work in the morning and hide the bigger cage in the closet.

[linda040899]

How about a divided cage? That way, they can see each other and sit by the bars next to each other but Mika can't hurt Kano. You've got a catch 22 here and we are simply offering suggestions. To leave them as they are is a slow death sentence for Kano.

[HaleBoppPeachyluv]

I have to agree with Linda.. kano looks sweet, but picked on...if there is no more room for a stacked cage or side by side cage, a divided cage might be a good compromise. but maybe with 2 dividers with enough space that a birdie beak cannot reach through and latch on. I had a rice bird that lost a foot when she landed on my 1st love's cage. Peachy latched on & wouldn't go.

otherwise you may need to think about rehoming one or both of the lovies to someone with space and permission for pets... perhaps with visitation rights?

i hear though... when i was growing up, we lived in apartments and we weren't supposed to have pets either. our landlord looked the other way for small animals...birds, guinea pigs, etc... but we still had to be careful!

[maya_exquisite]

You would think after FOUR long years Mika would have stopped being a meany completely, but in her mind it's her cage... she really doesn't hurt Kano as often as she used to and I would say 95% of the time they are fine together and usually cuddle. So funny though, Kano is always the one to preen Mika. Kano tries so hard to give love!! So I'm thinking even though Mika doesn't hurt Kano much anymore, Kano must be in constant stress knowing Mika is the boss.

Today I went out and bought another cage pretty much the same size as my "emergency" cage... the two put side by side make up about 75% of the size of the original cage they were in so not too bad. One good thing is the two smaller cages are way lighter as it was so hard to clean my heavy cage. I also bought them new matching food bowls and got some other extras - early Christmas gifts. Lavendar cages, purple food bowls, purple millet clips. Hehe. My bf said, "You made yourself a couple of nice looking jail cells for them." Hahahaha!! I've put them next to each other and there is a little space between the two. I feel bad that they don't have as much "roam" room, but they're just gonna have to deal with it until we either move or purchase a home.

[linda040899]

Sounds like a good solution to me! Sacrificing a bit of space is better than sacrificing Kano's life. Even though they get along 95% of the time, it's the other 5% that's the most worrisome. I'm sure Kano will enjoy her own space, knowing she will not be bullied anymore.

[maya_exquisite]

Thanks!! I just feel bad it's something I should've done long ago... I think I was just in denial. :( Better late than never I guess!!

[maya_exquisite]

I've had the two separated for a week now... they always huddle 'next' to each other in their cages. Awwwwww!! I do hope Kano plumps up a bit after a few months, now that she doesn't have to be second in line for food and millet!!

I also feel like Mika is mad at me. *lol* Ever since I separated them, when I stick my hand in her cage to let her out, she avoids me. :very_sad:

[lemonypickett]

You did the right thing, don't let them make you feel otherwise!

[LauraO]

I think separating them was a good idea. They are probably having some space adjustment issues. Hopefully, you are able to let them out together on a daily basis as they need their exercise and play time.

I strongly suggest you put the older bigger cage under the two smaller ones and let them spend time separately in the bigger cage to spread out. While I agree your birdies need to be separated, I am concerned about them being in small parakeet cages. Do you know the dimensions of the smaller cages?

[maya_exquisite]

^ I already trashed the bigger cage because it was so heavy and hard to clean. I'm currently on the hunt for a lightweight big cage - good luck to me. I don't know the dimensions of the parakeet cages they're in... I saw two sizes at the pet store and I got the larger of the two. I do let them out all the time, but it seems they like the comforts of "home" because they tend to just crawl back in after a short period of time. My babies must be lazy like their mama!! Hahahah!!

[thebubbleking]

Well maya sometimes owning and renting property comes in handy such as this bit of knowlage, now if you go to your doctor and tell him your lovebirds are companion pets and them being taken away or moved or not being able to have them will cause you undue stress and or getting sick the dr. will write you a legal letter stateing your birds are companion animals and building rules regarding pets does not apply to them, there are some restrictions such as if they die or escape you can not buy a new one to replace the one lost once they are gone they are gone, also they my not be allowed on public acess areas of the condo such as the lobby or the pool.
That being said a companion pet letter from your doctor will allow you to keep your birds regardless of the condo rules.
Hope i helped a little :D

[HaleBoppPeachyluv]

heee... well, knowing that lovies can live up to (and in the rare occasions, past) 20 years... i'd imagine as long as you get the same colored lovies, who would know if you got another lovie?

After our Peachy passed on, we wound up getting another peachface we named Koji....they looked almost exactly alike, and I don't think our manager ever knew the difference.

[maya_exquisite]

Well maya sometimes owning and renting property comes in handy such as this bit of knowlage, now if you go to your doctor and tell him your lovebirds are companion pets and them being taken away or moved or not being able to have them will cause you undue stress and or getting sick the dr. will write you a legal letter stateing your birds are companion animals and building rules regarding pets does not apply to them, there are some restrictions such as if they die or escape you can not buy a new one to replace the one lost once they are gone they are gone, also they my not be allowed on public acess areas of the condo such as the lobby or the pool.
That being said a companion pet letter from your doctor will allow you to keep your birds regardless of the condo rules.
Hope i helped a little :D

I don't live in a condo though... it's an apartment. Also, my bf lives with me so I don't get how a doctor would believe I'd have undue stress from not having pets...? I really appreciate your help :), but I'm trying to understand this... because it seems so far fetched for a young person who doesn't live alone? Plus, I've been living in my place for the past two years... there's no way my property manager or the doctor would believe that I need birds that I supposedly don't have so I don't get stressed. :confused: I can't tell my property manager that I've already had these birds for two years.

[LauraO]

^ I already trashed the bigger cage because it was so heavy and hard to clean. I'm currently on the hunt for a lightweight big cage - good luck to me. I don't know the dimensions of the parakeet cages they're in... I saw two sizes at the pet store and I got the larger of the two. I do let them out all the time, but it seems they like the comforts of "home" because they tend to just crawl back in after a short period of time. My babies must be lazy like their mama!! Hahahah!!

It's great if your lovebirdies get out a bunch. I'm of the mind that it doesn't matter if they are in their cages if the door is open:). If you are on Oahu, the petstore near Kahala mall (can't remember the name) and next door to the avian vet and the harvest bread store, has the best selection and prices of cages on the island. Of course, if you don't mind paying shipping (which is hateful) you can get one online.

It's too funny, when we lived in Ewa Beach we had this lovebird cage in the living room that no one lived in but we kept food and water with the cage door open everyday. Our two meyer's parrots LOVED it. When they were out during the day they would spend a lot of time perched and snuggled up in that little cage. I guess they just liked a comfy place to perch:).

[HaleBoppPeachyluv]

hey! thanks for that tip! the next time my hubby and i superferry it over to oahu i'll get him to make a trip over there...

[maya_exquisite]

If you are on Oahu, the petstore near Kahala mall (can't remember the name) and next door to the avian vet and the harvest bread store, has the best selection and prices of cages on the island. Of course, if you don't mind paying shipping (which is hateful) you can get one online.

I used to go to that pet store all the time because I worked in Hawaii Kai and had to pass that area to get onto the freeway every day. They pretty much have the same cages I bought for them... from the times I've gone they either have small parakeet cages or the huge weigh-a-ton cages. I need to get out to Windward Mall because I think they have one of the best, and cleanliest, pet stores. I love Ko'olau Pets!!

And yeah, shipping - especially to Hawaii - it just too much.

[LauraO]

I used to go to that pet store all the time because I worked in Hawaii Kai and had to pass that area to get onto the freeway every day. They pretty much have the same cages I bought for them... from the times I've gone they either have small parakeet cages or the huge weigh-a-ton cages. I need to get out to Windward Mall because I think they have one of the best, and cleanliest, pet stores. I love Ko'olau Pets!!

And yeah, shipping - especially to Hawaii - it just too much.

Oh yes. I got my first four lovebirds at the Windward Mall years and years ago! I forgot they upgraded their cage offerings!

[thebubbleking]

Yeh but kahala petsmart sells nutri berris and avi cakes and i got my big cages from there when they went on sale (which is often) for 24 bucks!!! I love both stores but with thier large bird selection it is so hard not to come out without a new fid lol