How To Stop Birds Feather Plucking? – A Complete Guide

Why is my bird plucking his feathers? Feather plucking can be distressing for birds, but there are ways to help them stop. This complete guide will explore effective strategies to address feather plucking and promote healthier habits in your feathered friend. 

We’ll discuss the possible reasons behind feather plucking and offer practical tips on creating a stimulating environment, providing a balanced diet, and implementing behavioral interventions. By understanding the causes and implementing these strategies, you can give your bird the best chance to overcome feather plucking and enjoy a happier, healthier life. 

Let’s dive into this comprehensive guide together!

What is Feather Plucking?

Feather plucking in birds, scientifically called pterotillomania, is a harmful behavior caused by stress. It’s when captive birds pull out their feathers, usually near their chest. 

Sometimes they try to remove all their feathers except in places they can’t reach, like their head. This behavior damages the skin and feathers and becomes a constant habit. About 10% of captive parrots may exhibit this behavior at some point in their lives, especially in areas they can’t easily reach. 

It’s similar to feather pecking, which causes less severe feather loss and skin damage. Feather plucking gives birds mental stimulation or relaxation, similar to humans with trichotillomania. It can develop in any captive parrot; some birds may even inherit this tendency from their parents.

Symptoms Of Feather Plucking

• Large, unusual bald patches
• Bleeding Rashes
• The dull color of the skin
• Connecting the feathers and ripping them apart
• Screeching
• Abnormal anger
• At the bottom of the cage, many feathers are stacked up.
• Bruised skin that is dry and flaky
• Unwilling to interact with people
• Unfriendliness

1. Causes Of Feather Picking

If you look at the causes of a particular bird being plucked, it may be one or more factors or a mix of several. A plucked bird may be a pet parrot that develops this unsettling habit or one that was purchased secondhand or for adoption. 

Maintaining calmness is the first step, followed by searching for potential causes and, finally, potential fixes. Though there may be some overlap, three categories of reasons for plucking can be made: health, the environment, and behavior

You will require an avian vet’s assistance for medical reasons, who will go over the Parrot’s living situation and behavioral problems in great detail.

a. Medical

• Skin infections or inflammations can cause problems with the skin and make it red and swollen. 

• Parasites like ringworm are tiny bugs that can infect the skin, causing itchy patches. 

• A feather cyst is a condition where lumps or growths form under the bird’s feathers. 

• Liver disease affects the liver, an important organ for filtering toxins from the body. 

• Cancer is a disease where cells in the body grow out of control and can harm the bird’s health. 

• Poisoning by heavy metals like zinc can happen if the bird eats or comes into contact with things containing these metals. 

• Metabolic disorders affect how the bird’s body processes food and energy. 
• PBFD is a viral infection that can cause feather loss and weaken the bird’s immune system.

b. Environmental

Feather plucking in birds can happen because of different things in their environment. Some of these include not getting enough food, being allergic to things around them, and having dry skin from insufficient humidity. 

The colors and chemicals in their food can also make the problem worse. If a bird doesn’t have enough time to rest in a busy home, it can make them pluck their feathers. Not having enough natural light and fresh air, and being around smoke from cigarettes, can also cause it. 

Additionally, birds may pluck their feathers if they don’t have things to play with and keep their minds busy. These are some of the reasons why birds pluck their feathers.

c. Behavioral

Birds may start plucking their feathers for boredom or emotional stress. Boredom happens when they don’t have enough mental stimulation, while emotional stress refers to feelings of anxiety, fear, or sadness.

2. Treatments

How to stop feather plucking? To stop feather plucking, you must first determine what you believe to be the root of the damaging behavior. Putting a collar on your bird will not tackle the root reasons of the problem; instead, it will just stop the plucking itself and may worsen stress or illness. 

You can reduce the number of potential causes by speaking with your veterinarian. Depending on what you uncover, the following therapy suggestions are provided:

a. Reducing Pain

Disease and pain can help reduce feather plucking in birds. When birds experience health issues or pain, they focus on their well-being rather than plucking their feathers. This redirection of attention away from feather plucking can result in a decrease in the behavior. 

Additionally, discomfort from diseases or painful conditions may make birds more cautious and less likely to engage in feather plucking. When birds are not feeling well or experiencing pain, they are less inclined to engage in feather-plucking behaviors.

b. Good Behavior

They might feel safe if you are polite and gentle and maintain a calm environment. Frequently interacting with them, providing them with toys, and feeding them nutritious food can all be helpful. Avoiding loud noises and unexpected movements is essential. 

Finding the root cause for a bird’s feather plucking, such as stress or boredom, and resolving it as soon as possible is essential. By promoting positive behavior and creating a joyful environment, we can assist birds in stopping feather plucking and maintaining their general welfare.

c. Comfortable Habitat & Good Environment 

A comfortable habitat and good environment can help prevent feather plucking in birds. A suitable environment with enough space, natural light, proper temperature, and clean surroundings can reduce stress and boredom. 

Offering various perches, toys, and activities can keep birds engaged and mentally stimulated, reducing the likelihood of feather plucking. Regular interaction, socialization, and a balanced diet can improve their well-being. 

These measures can create a positive and calming bird environment, minimizing the urge to engage in destructive feather-plucking behavior.

d. Balanced Diet

A balanced diet can help reduce feather plucking in birds. When birds receive proper nutrition, their overall health improves, making them less likely to engage in feather-plucking behaviors. 

Providing a diet that includes a variety of foods ensures that birds receive essential vitamins, minerals, and nutrients they need to maintain healthy feathers. This includes a mix of high-quality bird pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and occasional treats. 

A balanced diet supports feather growth and strengthens the immune system, reducing stress and minimizing the urge to pluck feathers. Regular veterinary check-ups can also ensure any underlying health issues are addressed.

e. Identifying Allergens And Toxins

When we know which substances cause allergic reactions or are harmful, we can remove them from the bird’s environment. This reduces the bird’s exposure and prevents discomfort, itchiness, and irritation that may lead to feather plucking. 

By identifying and eliminating potential triggers, we create a safer and healthier living space for the bird, promoting its well-being and reducing the urge to engage in feather-plucking behavior. 

Regularly monitoring and avoiding substances that cause allergies or toxins can greatly benefit birds’ overall health and prevent self-destructive behaviors.

Read More: Why Does My Bird Grind its Beak? Is it Normal?

Read More: Why does my Pet Bird Scream?

3. Bird Preening vs Bird Plucking

Birds, like humans, have their ways of taking care of themselves. They engage in behaviors called preening and plucking. What do these phrases mean, though, and how are they different? Let’s find out!

What is Preening?

Preening is a natural behavior where birds clean and groom their feathers using their beaks. They straighten out their feathers, remove dirt, and spread oil from a gland to keep them healthy and waterproof.

How do Birds Preen?

Birds use their beaks to reach every part of their body. They comb through their feathers, remove dust and parasites, and ensure each feather is in place. Preening helps birds maintain good feather conditions and promote better flight.

What is Plucking?

Plucking, on the other hand, is an unnatural behavior where birds remove their feathers by force. It is usually caused by stress, boredom, or health problems. When birds pluck, they may pull or damage feathers from their bodies.

Why do Birds Pluck?

Birds may start plucking for various reasons, such as anxiety, loneliness, lack of stimulation, improper diet, or physical discomfort. Plucking can lead to bald patches, skin irritation, and serious health issues.

Preening is a natural grooming behavior that keeps birds’ feathers healthy, while plucking is an abnormal behavior caused by stress or health problems. If you notice a bird plucking, it’s essential to identify the underlying cause and seek appropriate care to help them recover.

4. Bird Collar: A Simple Solution to Protect Birds

Bird collars are specially designed devices worn around their necks for safety and protection.

What is a Bird Collar?

A bird collar is a lightweight, adjustable band that fits around a bird’s neck.

Purpose of Bird Collars:

• Preventing Self-Harm: Bird collars prevent birds from plucking or injuring themselves by blocking access to their feathers.
• Inhibiting Nest Destruction: Some collars help to deter birds from destroying their nests or eggs.
• Controlling Aggression: Collars can manage aggression in certain bird species by limiting their ability to harm others.
• Behavior Modification: Bird collars can assist in modifying undesirable behaviors such as excessive screaming or biting.

How Do Bird Collars Work?

Bird collars create a physical barrier that prevents birds from engaging in harmful behaviors.

Benefits of Bird Collars:

• Safety: Collars protect birds from self-inflicted injuries, reducing the risk of infections or feather damage.
• Nest Preservation: By discouraging nest destruction, collars help birds successfully raise their young.
• Harmonious Environment: Bird collars can create a more peaceful and less aggressive atmosphere.
• Behavior Management: Collars aid in modifying unwanted behaviors, promoting better bird-human interactions.

Feather-plucking, or bird collar plucking, serves as a helpful tool in safeguarding birds by minimizing self-harm, nest destruction, and aggression and promoting positive behavior modification. Its use contributes to a healthier and happier avian environment.

Conclusion

Stopping feather plucking in birds requires understanding the underlying causes and implementing appropriate interventions. By providing a stimulating environment with plenty of mental and physical stimulation, offering a balanced diet, and ensuring social interaction, you can help reduce feather plucking. 

Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to identify any underlying health issues. Additionally, implementing behavioral modification techniques like positive reinforcement and environmental enrichment can discourage feather-plucking behavior. 

Being patient and consistent with the chosen interventions is crucial, as overcoming feather plucking may take time. Remember, seeking advice from avian experts or veterinarians can provide valuable guidance tailored to your bird’s needs.

FAQs

how to stop a bird from plucking its feathers

Try changing your bird’s cage to a bright location, and think about using a humidifier to increase the humidity. Additionally, consider relocating your bird to a bigger cage. Reduce the number of seeds you give your bird while increasing the number of vegetables or other things you give him.

What products stop feather plucking?

For birds with persistent or aggressive plucking and picking problems, Natra Pet No Pick Feather Picking Spray has been developed.

Can birds recover from plucking?

Feathers can and do grow back on birds. In several situations I’ve worked on, the bird was saved from a bad position and, thanks to a holistic approach, made outstanding progress within 12 to 18 months. I’ve conducted case studies of recoveries from feather plucking.

Is feather plucking normal?

Typically, birds pull their feathers so they can groom and preen. Fe feather plucking develops into a serious behavioral condition when a bird moderately evergreens or even self-mutilates.