Ask Lafeber

E-Collar

The injured lovebird by now still isn’t visited by a vet or bird professional ( my parents won’t let me unless something serious is occurring), but I checked it’s wings and looked better. Its excessive shaking stopped and flight has improved. However just in case of possible self hurting actions, I made a comfortable collar for it. It’s made of thin clear plastic and I smoothed the edges and cushioned the parts where it will wrap the neck gently. But the lovebird never liked any foreign thing on it so it only bolted away from the collar no matter how carefully I restrained it. Will the collar be necessary or stressful for the bird?

Hi Lillium,

No birds like an E collar, but they are necessary sometimes. The problem in your case is if even if he is doing this to himself, there is a reason. The collar might stop him while he is wearing it, but unless he is treated for whatever is causing him to do this, he will just do it again when the collar comes off. I understand your predicament, but anything causing pain to any animal is serious. It’s no different than if you suffered an injury and your parents refused to take you to a doctor. I feel like you can sit down with them and explain that any wound on a bird is serious, because when left untreated, it will eventually become infected, and birds can die very quickly from an infection because they have such a high metabolism. I know you are doing the best you can, but this type thing can go on for some time if not treated properly.

Take care,

Brenda