African Greys Turn Into Feather Destroying Machines
Feather plucking in African Greys is apparently super common. Charlie's avian vet said she sees it constantly.
But nobody warned me about this when I got Charlie. I thought African Greys were just smart, talking birds.
Feather Plucking Becomes an Obsession
Within two weeks, Charlie had destroyed most of his chest feathers. His beautiful gray plumage looked like someone attacked him with scissors.
He'd sit on his perch methodically pulling out feathers. One after another after another.
The avian vet examination cost $180. She said Charlie's feather plucking was behavioral, not medical.
Stress, boredom, change in routine. African Greys are incredibly sensitive to their environment.
We'd moved to a new apartment three months earlier. Apparently that was enough to trigger this self-destructive behavior.
The vet recommended an animal behaviorist who specialized in parrots. $150 per hour-long session.
Charlie needed six sessions to work through his anxiety and develop coping strategies. Yes, therapy for my parrot.
The behaviorist also recommended environmental enrichment toys. Special foraging toys, puzzle feeders, chew toys. $400 worth of bird entertainment.
Plus anti-anxiety medication. Fluoxetine for birds. $85 per month for tiny liquid doses.
Even with treatment, Charlie continued plucking for months. Some feathers grew back, but others didn't.
Now Charlie has permanent bald patches where the feather follicles were damaged. He looks like a moldy stuffed animal.
Respiratory Infections From Stress
Six months after the feather plucking started, Charlie developed a respiratory infection.
He was breathing with his mouth open, making clicking sounds. Classic signs of respiratory distress in birds.
Emergency avian vet visit on a Sunday. $250 just for the emergency fee.
Charlie needed oxygen therapy, antibiotics, and several days of intensive care. $1,800 for a three-day hospital stay.
The vet said stress from feather plucking likely weakened Charlie's immune system. Birds hide illness until they're really sick.
African Greys are prone to respiratory infections anyway. Add stress and a compromised immune system, and it's almost inevitable.
Charlie recovered, but now I watch him constantly for signs of breathing problems.
Any change in his breathing pattern sends me into panic mode. Birds can go from fine to dead in hours.
Calcium Deficiency Seizure Scare
Charlie had a seizure during his morning routine. Just fell off his perch, convulsing and flapping.
I thought he was dying. Scariest thing I've ever witnessed.
Emergency vet again. Blood work showed severe calcium deficiency. Common in African Greys, especially stressed ones.
Charlie needed immediate calcium injections and hospitalization for monitoring. $950 for emergency treatment.
Now Charlie gets calcium supplements daily. $45 per month for special bird calcium drops.
Plus regular blood work to monitor his calcium levels. $120 every three months.
The vet said many African Greys develop calcium problems as they age. But stress makes it worse.
Charlie's feather plucking created a cascade of health problems. One behavior issue led to multiple medical conditions.
What African Grey Insurance Actually Needs to Cover
Charlie's health problems taught me that African Grey insurance isn't just about accidents. These birds have complex behavioral and medical needs.
Behavioral Treatment Coverage is Critical
Most people don't think about behavioral coverage for birds. But feather plucking treatment cost over $2,000.
Animal behaviorist sessions, environmental enrichment, anti-anxiety medications. None of this is cheap.
Many insurance policies don't cover behavioral issues at all. They consider it training, not medical treatment.
But with African Greys, behavioral problems quickly become medical problems. Charlie's stress led to respiratory infections and calcium deficiency.
Find a policy that covers behavioral veterinary treatment. Even if it's limited coverage, it's better than nothing.
Charlie's behaviorist sessions were partially covered because they were prescribed by a veterinarian for a medical condition.
Avian Specialist Coverage is Non-Negotiable
Regular dog and cat vets don't know much about birds. Charlie needed board-certified avian veterinarians.
Avian specialists cost more than regular vets. Charlie's avian vet charges $180 for basic exams. Regular vets charge $60.
But African Greys have unique medical needs. Respiratory systems, calcium metabolism, behavioral issues specific to parrots.
Some insurance policies only cover treatment by any licensed veterinarian. But you need avian specialists for proper care.
Make sure your policy covers board-certified avian veterinarians. Otherwise you're paying specialist fees out of pocket.
Emergency Coverage for Sudden Illness
Birds hide illness until they're almost dead. When they show symptoms, it's usually an emergency.
Charlie's respiratory infection required immediate oxygen therapy and hospitalization. $1,800 for three days.
His calcium deficiency seizure needed emergency treatment on a weekend. Emergency fees plus treatment costs.
Bird emergencies are expensive because they need specialized equipment and 24/7 monitoring.
Many policies have lower limits for emergency care. But with birds, most serious medical treatment is emergency treatment.
Look for policies with high emergency limits. Birds don't get sick gradually like other pets.