Feather Plucking Behaviour In Your Parrot

Feather plucking, unfortunately is a common
problem among captive pet parrots. Several
types, like the African Grey, Cockatoos, Macaws,
and Quaker (Monk) parrots are more likely to pull
at their feathers. The severity of feather
plucking can range from feather picking, where
the bird just breaks the feathers off resulting
in a rather scruffy looking parrot; feather
pulling, where the parrot pulls the feathers
completely out, leaving bald bits of skin
exposed; and self mutilation, where the bird
tears at its own flesh, resulting in bleeding
sores that can easily become infected if not
attended to quickly. Often feather picking, may
advance to feather pulling and finally self
mutilation, so it is advisable to check this
habit as soon as you can to prevent the
situation from deteriorating.

Causes

There are several factors that may cause a
parrot to begin plucking at its feathers, and
these can include both physical and mental
stress. Physical stress can be related to an
unbalanced diet, external or internal parasites,
or allergic reactions to an environmental
stimulus or toxin. Due to their high level of
intelligence, parrots are very prone to mental
stress and anxiety, and often start pulling at
their feathers when they are bored, lonely, or
have experienced a sudden change in surroundings
or environment. Should your parrot begin plucking
at his feathers, it is advisable to take him for
a veterinarian examination as soon as possible
to determine the underlying cause of feather
plucking in case it is related to a health
issue, such as internal or external parasites,
or an infection.

Diet

It is very common for birds that are fed a diet
high in sunflower seeds to suffer from a protein
and vitamin A deficiency, both of which are
necessary for maintaining healthy plumage and
skin. As a result, the birds experience problems
moulting, and consequently suffer irritation at
the feather follicle, which stimulates feather
pulling behaviour.
A high quality, commercial pelleted diet, such
as Vitakraft Parrot Premium Menu, that contains
all the essential proteins, minerals, and
vitamins is recommended to prevent, and cure
feather plucking behaviour stemming from
malnutrition.

Parasites

Skin parasites are generally uncommon in pet
parrots that are housed indoors, but convenient
preparations, such as anti-parasite spot-on
treatment, are commercially available for small,
medium and large parrots to prevent external
parasites such as skin mites or lice, and also
combat internal parasites such as round worms.

Toxins

There are many common substances that we use
daily in our homes that could cause an allergic
reaction, or high levels of discomfort to your
parrot that would induce stress related feather
plucking. Cigarette smoke, air fresheners, and
cooking sprays are all toxic to parrots and may
cause high levels of distress.

Boredom & Loneliness

Parrots are very intelligent, sociable by
nature, and highly active birds. If they lack
stimulation or companionship, they may become
bored and lonely, resulting in feather plucking
behaviour. Provide your parrot with a variety of
toys, ranging from toys that are mentally
stimulating, such as shakers, food balls, and
puzzles; to those that provide physical
exercise, such as swings, ropes and ladders.
Spend quality time with your parrot, providing
interaction and companionship. If your parrot
has to spend the day alone whilst you are at
work, it would be kinder to consider getting an
avian companion for him to communicate with in
your absence to prevent loneliness and
depression setting in.

Prevention & Cure

Feather plucking can be prevented, and usually
cured, by providing your parrot with plenty of
mental and physical stimulation, a healthy diet,
a healthy environment, and lots of love and
attention. Those are the ingredients for a
happy, healthy parrot.

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Alex KellyAs a pet owner, my articles are based
on issues that I feel are important for fellow
animal lovers.Pet Promenade has everything you
will need for the furry member of the family.
From pet food, dog leads, grooming equipment and
bird cages.With over 5000 pet products, at
competetive prices, it's worth paying us a visit
at http://www.petpromenade.co.uk/

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