A parrot who starts chewing off wing and tail feathers, or who barbers feathers, is likely doing so for non-medical reasons. Transitioning a clipped parrot to a flighted status should be done with the help of a professional who lives successfully with flighted birds. This stress can be increased dangerously by many conditions present in our homes. Examples are swings which encourage flapping and ladders that encourage climbing. Quaker parrot babies are hand-fed a commercial food mix since it carries all the necessary nutrients they require. It does not include self-mutilation (chewing into the skin itself to create a wound). or feet, chewing them off These range from remodeling projects, threats from other parrots, cages placed in front of windows, the presence of rodents at night, to an inability to fl y away from perceived threats if the wings are trimmed. From the Winter 2011 Edition of PsittaScene Magazine. Resolution 307 2,931 by The feather plucker is the most common type we see in practice. All companion parrots experience some stress because they are captive, living in a state of chronic restraint. Instead engage in trick training or other activities that will cause your bird to relate to you in a different manner. The overall amount of fats and carbohydrates in the diet must be limited. Useful Link - feather plucking and nutritional advice from The Birdcare Company, Registered Charity in England & Wales No: 268726. Very sweet fruits, such as bananas and grapes, should be avoided in favor of those that offer better nutrition, such as berries. earlier with feather African grey parrot in flight (AKJ - picture taken at Whipsnade Zoo, UK). small pieces (barbering), or This article was originally published November 2011 in PsittaScene magazine. It is perfectly normal for a bird to pluck the head and neck feathers of its mate in the breeding season, or for parents to over-preen their chicks in the same way. (8) insufficient opportunity for learning and making choices. On the other hand, if a new toy creates a fear reaction, you will need to implement a desensitization plan allowing him to get used to looking at it first, then finally learn that it has entertainment value. Feather plucking can be caused by a numerous number of issues, making it important for you to rule out the causes before treating. Wild parrots are facultative omnivores, which means they will eat anything that is available in their environment, including the occasional grub, caterpillar, insect or even small fish, so animal protein is not at all alien to their diet. Then, practical changes should be made where possible, without becoming overprotective of the parrot. The scientists found that parrots with cages that didn't allow a view of doors where people entered the room were less likely to engage in feather picking. When they reach those "awkward teenage years", and their hormones are telling them they need to breed, they are not quite sure which way to turn and hence start plucking in frustration and confusion. At the root of most cases though is a medical or nutritional issue, so it is important to seek the advice of an experienced avian veterinarian as a first step. If I were to compile a list of parrots that are prone to plucking, I would list cockatoos, African Greys Psittacus erithacus, Quaker Parakeets Myiopsitta monachus, Eclectus (especially Eclectus roratus vosmaeri), macaws and Amazons as the species in which this … This includes providing appropriate enrichment and then teaching the parrot to stay busy which will be discussed in PART TWO. UnRuffledRx Bird Collars come in a variety of styles to offer relief for feather plucking, self-mutilation, and wound recovery. destruction completely Wash hands thoroughly every time after smoking. While it is common for birds to preen their feathers and pull out ones that are broken or damaged, excessive feather plucking is a sign of an obsessive-compulsive illness, parasites, or another health issue. Frequently, solutions elude caregivers because there is not a full recognition of the complexity of the problem. If you think your parrot has developed a pair bond with you, try to evolve that bond through reducing time on the shoulder, reducing and then eliminating cuddling. the central shaft. Looking for a feather plucking bird collar? Feather Destructive Behavior, However, certain hanging perches can help. It is not possible to rule out medical causes by simply doing a physical exam. A parrot allowed access to such areas will not only suffer the attendant surge in hormone production that such exciting activities trigger, but will soon begin to display a form of territoriality about these areas that often becomes quite inconvenient for the owner who wants to get another pair of shoes out of the closet. If your Quaker is the only parrot and you want to introduce a new bird you'll need to integrate a second cage so they can get used to each other. It is also possible that the hormone changes cause direct irritability of the skin, just as in human teenagers with acne. Sold by … © Copyright 2018 World Parrot Trust. Another environmental consideration is boredom.This is frequently cited as a cause of feather plucking, but in my experience it is by no means the commonest cause.Parrots are extremely intelligent creatures and do need a lot of physical and mental stimulation to satisfy their needs.Therefore toys, objects to chew, radios playing, "playtime" with the owner are all important for their wellbeing, and in many cases, the provision of such items where they are not present will prevent plucking in a bird.However, the opposite situation can also arise - that is to say that a bird's environment can be too busy.In an active household, with children playing and running around, dogs barking, music blaring, and general busy-ness from dawn 'til well past dusk, the poor bird may get overstimulated and have no chance of proper rest.This can result in feather plucking and the answer in this case is obviously to move the bird to a more relaxed atmosphere! Therefore, making changes in this area is critical. Feather plucking disorders effects birds in captivity, it rarely occurs in birds in the wild. resolved. Feather Plucking, also known as feather picking, self plucking, feather destructive behaviour and others, is an extremely complicated problem which can have a multitude of causes. One other parasitic condition that is quite common as a cause of skin disease (although rarely feather plucking) is the mange mite Cnemidocoptes (Scaly face, scaly leg, tassle foot). She has a large toy in her cage that she likes to “hide” behind. ), and even then there will be many disappointments. (3) the presence of a perceived nesting area (access to closets, drawers, cupboards, sleeping huts, cardboard boxes, etc. Many people seem surprised to be told that their pet birds should be given such items as hard cheese, cooked egg or chicken, fish fingers etc., 2 or 3 times a week, but in fact the protein content of these foods is essential for new feather growth. that something is wrong and Zinc) and amino acids will result in poor feather and skin quality, which in turn predispose to plucking.In some cases too much of a dietary component can cause a problem - a fat-rich diet or simple obesity will produce poor plumage condition, as will zinc toxicosis (see above). You might note your parrot chewing its feathers or going as far as damaging Caregivers must use common sense in this area and realize that, while we can extend day length artificially, our parrots would naturally be sleeping during the hours of darkness. It is my hope, as we move into a more modern and benevolent manner of caring for companion parrots, that each parrot will be evaluated as a candidate for flight and that having flighted parrots indoors will one day be the norm, as it is in other countries. Although, maturity, abuse, emotional upset, and neglect can cause plucking, there are may other possible causes. However, in captivity these same parrots easily become carbohydrate “junkies” demanding daily their ration of white rice, mashed potatoes, fruit and pasta. Some parrots will enjoy playing fetch or hide and seek on the floor. How One Person Stopped Her African Grey Parrot’s Feather Plucking Share Congo african grey I had a long conversation about 6 months ago with a woman that I had known for years from bird forums I was active on. The feathers will then look untidy, with persistent sheaths, and they may become secondarily infected, but they will not be plucked out. So having identified our bird as a plucker, and confirmed by the above examinations and analysis that it is not suffering from a specific disease, what can we do about it?I hope I have demonstrated that the causes can be so varied that no one single treatment could possibly work general for every bird, but there are some suggestions that I offer as background therapy in every case. (2) the ability to engage in interactions of an affectionate nature with that bonded one (cuddling, stroking down the back and under the wings, shoulder time). After ruling out medical causes, the best chance at resolution is to then examine each of the areas listed below and to make improvements where necessary. For most birds the Calcivet and Potent Brew are only required for 1-2 months. Our 18 month old Solomon Island Eclectus female is plucking small feathers at what seems to us an alarming rate. Increased hormone production is a fundamental and primary problem that leads to several problem behaviors, in addition to FDB. The first point to note is that feather plucking is a disease of captivity - it does not occur (except as a natural physiological behaviour in breeding birds) in wild living individuals.Many owners appear to give their birds the best of care and attention, and yet are rewarded by a bird that rips out all its feathers; whilst other individuals can live in apparently appalling environments and yet have immaculate plumage. Specific infections of the skin or feathers may lead to plucking because of the irritation caused.These would include bacterial infections of the skin (dermatitis) or feather follicles (folliculitis); fungal diseases (similar to diseases such as Athlete's foot, or Ringworm); or virus infections such as PBFD or Polyomavirus.Parasitic infestations, caused by mites, lice, or ticks Tickscommonly suspected as causes of feather plucking and many cans of mite spray are sold in consequence. Maintaining a flighted bird can be done safely through wise arrangement of the environment and effective training within the home. Avoid snacking while petting your parrot. Medical causes can include A commonly suggested solution in such cases is to "get the bird a mate", but this is not always the answer.A companion bird of a different species may help, but a true opposite sex of the same species may throw the bird into even more confusion, or they may copy each other, and you end up with two plucked birds! These guys will vary from the bird that just plucks a few coverts exposing the fluffy underlying gray down feathers (often over the top of the wings) to the bird that has plucked its entire body. While feather destruction and self-mutilation can occur in the same individual, FDB does not necessarily lead to self-mutilation. Unfortunately, these same triggers are often present continually in our homes. It may be necessary to examine feather samples or skin biopsies for the presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi or parasites. Feather pulling is a common behavioral problem among captive pet birds and can be brought on by a number of factors. Dietary problems are also highly significant in feather disease.Still far too many caged birds are kept on an inadequate or unbalanced diet, and deficiencies of vitamins (especially A), minerals (especially Calcium), trace elements (e.g. Parrot Feather Problems Feather loss can have several different causes. I often hear the term “behavioral” used to describe an individual’s feather destruction. Just as with any general disease problem in birds, a few displayed symptoms can represent a whole range of causes of the illness, so then there are many reasons why a bird's feathers may become damaged or lost.These would include inherited defects, dietary deficiencies, infectious diseases and physical damage from the environment or other birds.To the inexperienced eye, one damaged feather looks much like another, whereas experience and more detailed analysis will hopefully identify the alternative causes.All of the above problems are of concern to the owner, and require skilful diagnosis to establish the cause and thereby to suggest a possible cure; but there is no more frustrating condition both for the disappointed owner and for the Veterinarian attempting to treat the bird than the Feather Plucker. Teaching a parrot to eat a better diet is just that – a training issue. Some feel obligated to "rescue" these birds. Once you have evaluated the areas detailed above and made changes where needed, it is time to tackle the single most important area for a successful resolution of the problem – behavior modification and training. In summary, one can repeat that there is no overnight solution, and that there is no single remedy suitable for all cases.Detailed "psychoanalysis' is required for each bird (and very often its owner! commonly termed “feather When any parrot destroys his own feathers, it is a sign that something is wrong and intervention is needed. I am not sure if your Vet is an Avian Vet – one who specializes in birds – but that is the type Vet you need. It could simply be a perfectly natural molt, or it could be down to parasites. Certain clues as to cause can be derived by observing where on the body the behavior begins and when it occurs during the day. However, this must be consistently discouraged. How To Prevent Your Parrot From Plucking Out Their Feathers It's estimated that as many as 50% of all parrots will exhibit some sort of feather-plucking behavior. While there are potions on the market, such as Bitter Beak, that have an unpleasant taste and discourage a bird from self-mutilating, and physical restraints such as collars and fe… You must transition the parrot from the seed mix onto a high-quality formulated diet and then supplement with a moderate amount of live, raw, fresh foods, with the focus on vegetables, greens, and grains. For example, as it turned out Cleo had been weaned too early onto a seed-based diet, was given a too-short wing trim, and did not receive the enrichment that would have led to the development of behavioral independence. Feather Plucking in Parrotsby Alan K Jones©. However, this term is useless and should be avoided. (1) infection (bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic). In some cases there may be an inability to preen. Parrot calming formula, 4oz, reduces stress, anxiety Feathered Up! A parrot allowed flight will exercise himself naturally. The owner’s absence was blamed, when in fact it was the other conditions and experiences that predisposed Cleo to developing the problem. It has also become a widely accepted behavior – just “something that captive parrots do.” Caregivers, frustrated by their unsuccessful attempts to stop the behavior, instead capitulate into acceptance, reassuring themselves that at least the parrot seems happy and healthy otherwise. Hi Mary, Feather plucking can be a very complex issue that often involves medical and behavioral issues. The feature that sets birds apart in the animal kingdom is not the power of flight - other types of animal (e.g. Recovery is possible! If a friend visits wearing a hat and the parrot is afraid of the hat, you would have the friend remove it. feather picking, is any self-inflicted destruction of feathers. If you take your parrot to a vet and no diagnostic testing is recommended, seek a second opinion. Most birds perform this se Many caregivers provide cardboard boxes, empty out drawers, or allow their parrots to play in closets out of the perception that this makes the parrot very happy. An additional trigger can be the presence nearby of other parrots also in a reproductively active state. We know that feather destruction is a behavior. A parrot who cannot move about at will is not able to make the steady stream of behavioral choices that is his birthright, and knows instinctively that, should danger manifest, he is unable to get away. Fledgling cockatiel with its head feathers plucked out by its parents (AKJ). destruction of feathers. Theoretically, the other care requirements of hygiene, full-body check-ups, and spending time are the same while . There are NO experts in this area, because, frankly, no A parrot who cannot move about at will is not able to make the steady stream of behavioral choices that is his birthright, and knows instinctively that, should danger manifest, he is unable to get away. Therefore, this label tells us nothing and does in fact bring us to a dead end, in terms of identifying possible solutions. Available exclusively at BirdSupplies.com, we ship feather plucking Certain clues as to cause can be derived by observing where on the body the behavior begins and when it occurs during the day. Feather Destructive Behavior, commonly termed “feather picking,” is any self-inflicted destruction of feathers. The bird's environment is extremely important: a smokey or fatty atmosphere such as that associated with a pub, for example, will result in deposits on the feathers that will cause irritation.Handling a bird with nicotine-stained fingers will irritate a bird's skin and will start a bird pecking to relieve the itch.A dry, dusty atmosphere is very bad for plumage quality - the feathers will become brittle and will then irritate.Regular bathing or spraying is essential.Lighting is important - too long a photoperiod (length of daylight) may tire the bird or stimulate breeding activity or encourage frequent moulting.Light levels that are too low will result in poor quality feather growth. Encouraging exercise for parrots with clipped wings can be challenging. Feather plucking is when the bird pulls the feathers out of the follicle, exposing bare patches of skin as seen in the image below. This serves them well in the wild, where energy expenditures are significant. picking,” is any self-inflicted Feather-Picking Problem Behavior In captivity, a plucking bird can be a sign of veterinary or environmental problems. (3) endocrine conditions (thyroid dysfunction). A variety of toys which have helped birds who feather pluck. Risk factors for FDB can be divided into medical vs. non-medical causes. While there is no recognized protocol for working up a feather picking parrot, typical testing might include a complete blood count, chemistry panel, Gram stain or culture and sensitivity, fecal analysis and possibly radiographs. By continuing to use this site you consent to the use of cookies on your device as described … Previously advised techniques such as notching of the beak, or applying a ball to its tip to prevent the bird damaging its feathers have now been abandoned, but collars may be attached to restrict plucking. ), (4) a nutrient-dense diet that contains too many carbohydrates and fats, or too much food overall, and. Her special interests include feather destructive behaviour, training, flight and nutrition. The biggest problem with feather destructive behaviors is that we don’t know why it happens. The artificial incubation and hand rearing of parrots is a much more recent phenomenon, and these birds grow up not really sure whether they are bird or human! Nutritional deficiencies can leave your cockatoo with frayed feathers and itchy skin, leading to plucking. This intervention is needed. Get a free subscription with your WPT membership. While not every case of FDB can be resolved, many can by performing an holistic, comprehensive examination of every aspect of the parrot’s life and making improvements where indicated. is the same bird pictured This protozoal intestinal infection is well documented as being a cause of feather picking in the U.S.A, although we tend not to see it so much over here. Whilst it has come to be accepted by It does. Questions about feather plucking? At age six months, the owner left for an extended period, leaving her with an unfamiliar caregiver, at which time she began chewing off feathers. It is also known as feather-picking. Please post here. Examination of the environment is important - the presence of parasites or irritants may be detected, plus one can get a general impression of the bird's lifestyle.The bird will then need a thorough examination, probably linked to laboratory tests such as blood samples to assess liver and kidney function, hormone levels or to check for infectious agents such as Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD). Quaker parrot with feather plucking, severe - Answered by a verified Bird Specialist We use cookies to give you the best possible experience on our website. If not able to make this transition successfully on your own, then seek the assistance of a professional who knows how to do so effectively without causing the parrot undue stress in the process. The provision of a well-balanced diet.This is very important, and many cases of poor feather quality will be improved with better nutrition.Fussy eaters can be given one of the many vitamin and mineral supplements that are available, but of particular importance to feather growth are the amino acids to be found in animal protein. shredding the barbules off of A thorough and objective analysis of the environment must be undertaken to identify causes of stress. Also discourage any sexual behaviors, such as regurgitation or rubbing of the vent against clothing or hands, by relocating the parrot to another perch and redirecting him to more appropriate behavior. Parrots should be bathed in the morning so that they have plenty of time to dry before going to bed at night. If not able to make this transition successfully on your own, then seek the assistance of a professional who knows how to do so effectively without causing the parrot undue stress in the process. (4) lack of independent play skills that leads to boredom or over-dependence upon the owner. This is when they pluck an area- and then they chew or bite themselves until they bleed. many caregivers, it is a sign It will take weeks to correct a problem and establish new feather growth, but only a few minutes for a recalcitrant bird to pull them all out again!Many cases do relapse and with repeated plucking there may well be permanent follicular damage that means the bird will never grow feathers in these areas. Aggressive feather plucking can be caused by malnutrition. This may include pulling feathers out completely with the beak or feet, chewing them off at the body, barbering (snipping away small pieces), or shredding the barbules off of the central shaft. In extreme cases of self mutilation, the bird actually bites at its own skin, causing skin lesions that can lead to bacterial infection or severe bleeding; both of which can be life threatening. Dry air makes you and I scratch our dry skin and can lead to feather plucking for the same reason. Whilst it has come to be accepted by many caregivers, it is a sign that something is wrong and intervention is needed. Feed your bird a well-balanced diet. 1 Although less In most cases, several factors work together to push the bird over the edge into this extreme behavior. In attempting to investigate a feather-plucking problem, one has to be able to recognise the normal from the abnormal, and to eliminate all other possible causes of feather disease.This will require detailed questioning of the owner (clinical history) as to the background of the bird - where it came from, where it is kept, how it is fed, when the problem started, how is the problem manifest, are other birds involved etc., etc., etc. A parrot who destroys feathers only at night when supposed to be asleep may, in fact, be suffering from a physical ailment that causes discomfort when the distractions of the day are no longer present. Wild parrots naturally live in a hormonally inactive state for most of the year. bats) can fly, and some birds are flightless - but instead it is their feathers.These unique and complex structures give avian species their particular attraction in terms of appearance and colour.It is perhaps the main reason why people find birds so attractive, and therefore if any problem occurs with the feathers, it is of immediate concern to the pet owner. In fact, most single pet birds are unlikely to be affected with external parasites, unless they have recently come from a collection. You can also try nuking oils like black seed oil, red palm oil, coconut oil. Other remedies that may be adopted in specific cases could be the judicious use of hormone therapy, or the provision of a proper environment in which to pair off and breed.Many other suggested methods really just attack the results of the plucking, and do not address the root cause.These would include the use of sedatives or psycho-altering drugs such as the much publicised "Prozac".These may have a place and a short term effect in some cases, but usually once therapy is withdrawn, the plucking will recur if the bird's circumstances are unchanged. This is a case of the “bad becoming normal,” to borrow a phrase from author and respected behavior expert Temple Grandin. Some common causes of feather plucking in parrotsinclude incorrect diet, allergies, parasites, boredom, loneliness, stress and anxiety. Feather plucking, feather picking or feather destructive behavior (FDB) is one of the most common, and frustrating, reasons for which caged psittacine birds are presented to the veterinary hospital, with an estimated prevalence of 10%. Make sure your bird is getting enough calcium, … Adult African Greys and some cockatoos often do well with only eight to nine hours of rest. Severe Cnemidocoptes infestation (Scaly Face) in a budgerigar (AKJ). Pamela Clark (CVT) is a well-known author, speaker, and parrot behaviour consultant whose experience with parrots dates back over 45 years to the purchase of her first pair of lovebirds. Access to an outdoor aviary where the parrot will experience wind, rain and sun will also help to encourage normal preening. Parrots get very excited at the opportunity to even sit in perceived nesting areas. Certainly, there is risk in the home for a flighted parrot, but there is also risk for parrots whose wings are clipped. CLEO WAS JUST 13 MONTHS OLD when I first met her – a perfect feminine African Grey head perched atop a scruffy body – most feathers removed including her tail and primary flight feathers. Nuke any of the oils (20 seconds max) then pouring over food to help with feather and skin dryness \"For parrot owners and breeders, one thing our research shows is that it might be worth putting a lot of thought into where the cage is positioned in the room,\" … In my experience, most cases of plucking that are not the result of one of the disease processes listed above occur in adolescent birds.Hand-reared African Grey Parrots are perhaps the worst offenders, but Eclectus and Cockatoos come close.Although birds have been kept in captivity for generations, they are still far from being domesticated species like the dog and cat. In some cases there may be an inability to preen.The feathers will then look untidy, with persistent sheaths, and they may become secondarily infected, but they will not be plucked out. Feather plucking supplements for pet birds. (11) foreign substances on feathers or exposure to toxic materials, such as cigarette smoke. Even if your parrot is not currently damaging his feathers, any of these factors, if present, should be corrected now, in order to prevent the problem from occurring in the future. Don't ever allow your Quaker parrot to get bored as feather plucking is a horrible habit All rights reserved. This can result in feather plucking and the answer in this case is obviously to move the bird to a more relaxed atmosphere! A significant source of stress for most companion parrots is their inability to fly. At minimum, a weekly bath should be encouraged. Many cases of feather damaging behavior can be improved simply by increasing bathing opportunities. They are triggered into a reproductive status when environmental conditions converge that support breeding and rearing young. Feather destruction may MATURITY - In reaching maturity, parrots go through a period of hormone imbalance very similar to that of a maturing teenager. Quakers are prone to QMS quaker mutilation syndrome. I will discuss these together because all contribute greatly to feather quality. Again, these methods are preventive rather than curative, but may have a place in allowing feather recovery while the underlying reasons are addressed. A significant source of stress for most companion parrots is their inability to fly. This item: QBLEV Bird Collars, Parrot Feather Plucking Collar, Parrot Recovery Cones Parakeet Feather Protector… $13.95 ($13.95 / 1 Count) In Stock. It is also normal for birds to lose feathers over the breast area while breeding (the 'brood patch'), but both these may be triggers to start a bird on the road to longer term plucking.New feathers that grow in the normal moult will irritate as they come through, and birds will preen heavily at this time, but again the scales can tip easily from preening to plucking if the irritation is excessive, such as would be the case when many feathers are replaced at once.This can occur following accident or illness, but then a vicious circle is established, because the large number of growing feathers irritates; this leads to plucking, which means more feathers are grown to replace those pulled out, which means more irritation, and therefore more picking, which means...... Certain internal or systemic disease conditions will produce skin irritation that results in plucking.Liver disease is one; zinc poisoning is often implicated; and Giardiasis in Cockatiels is another.