Reptile & Amphibian Forums

my cockatoo has a wound that will not heal: any suggestions...he picks at it all the time.

Your vet would be a better help on this problem. I know some birds especially cockatoos will over preen themselves and start digging into their skin sometimes even on into their chest or other part of their body. This can cause infection and depending on the amount of injury even death. If the wound is constantly being picked at your vet may suggest a collar until the wound is healed. Which most birds really hate but are sometimes the only solution. There are also some medications that have a calming effect on birds and in some birds will help them to quit plucking again I would only give these with a vets recommendation even though some can be bought over the counter at pet stores etc. Whether the wound was caused by picking or something else in the first place your vet will need to take a close look at it. An antibiotic may even need to be prescribed for possible infection. Good luck.