We are not generally an exotics vet and prefer to just see birds for basic things such as wing or nail clippings as they are very sensitive animals and are best seen by a specialist if sick. Birds stress very easily, so it’s always advisable that the first person handling a sick bird is experienced in treating them. However, a very common question we get asked is why do birds pluck?
Birds usually pluck their feathers to preen and groom themselves. Feather plucking becomes a serious behavioural disorder when the bird over-preens or even self-mutilates itself. Feather-plucking not only results in a bird looking moth eaten but also decreases the bird’s ability to keep itself warm and dry, and may also lead to skin infections or more serious complications. There are many causes for feather-plucking disorder such as malnutrition, parasites, emotional stress, boredom, skin infections, cysts of the feather, dryness of the skin from low humidity, allergies to food or environment, disturbance in the normal light and dark cycles of the bird, lack of natural sunlight and fresh air, and other diseases. We usually advise owners to first exclude parasites and make sure the bird is getting fed a proper well-balanced diet.
Internal or external parasites can cause the bird to resort to feather-plucking due to discomfort. Worms and mites are easily treated. Enquire at your vet about the products you can use. Birds will often pick out seeds such as sunflower seeds, which leads to dietary imbalances. They are high in carbohydrates and fats and deficient in vital nutrients. Pet birds that are fed seed exclusively become overweight and can develop illnesses, such as fatty liver disease and heart disease. Insufficient diet also leads to skin and feather problems, which the bird tries to solve by feather-plucking. Several nutritionally complete pelleted diets are available. Pelleted diets should be supplemented with a variety of fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fruits. Remember, avocado is toxic to birds.
A very common reason for plucking is usually environmental stress. Birds that are overactive and overstimulated frequently pluck their feathers, as do birds that are bored. Such birds also show anxiety and aggressive behaviours. Anxiety can be caused by a lack of fresh air, lack of light, and a disturbance in the bird’s natural 24-hour cycle. It is optimal that birds are allowed 10–12 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Another stressful situation occurs when the bird is moved from one place to another, or when there is a change in its habitual environment. Stressors may include other pets in the house, unwanted attention from people, loud noises, changes in weather, new people in the house getting more attention, or other environmental factors. Stress in any form can cause the bird to feather pluck. It is also important to keep your bird busy with toys and to ensure the bird has company and is not isolated in a room alone for long periods. The majority of parrots are native to tropical rain forests where rain showers are a daily occurrence. Misting your bird with a spray bottle is an easy way to bathe your bird. It is also important never to bathe an ill bird, as they are less able to control their body temperature and may become too cold. Shampoos and soaps should not be used.
Feather-plucking can become a habit if it is not treated in time. Usually, there is more than one underlying cause for the bird’s feather-plucking, and you need to explore and treat all of them. Once all the basic causes for plucking have been ruled out (diet, parasites, enriched environment), it may be necessary to get medication to help the bird deal with anxiety. Several prescription behaviour-modifying drugs are available. This would need to be done by a vet specifically dealing with birds (we can refer you to one) and only once all other factors are ideal (food, environment, etc.). Even if the behaviour does resolve, damage to the feather follicles may be permanent. This may result in permanent feather loss or feather cyst formation, so rather treat early to prevent this.