Feather picking can be a nightmare.

This topic has been discussed previously on this forum so its worth
pulling those up and having a read. I've copied in the 2 client hand-outs we use to help owners
understand this disease. Peppers is self-mutilating which is an extreme case and usually requires some
serious intervention aka head collars (which I only ever use in self-mutilation cases) and/or drugs such
as haloperidol. Of course, need to rule out the medical causes first before you can assume that the
problem is behavioural.
Here're the hand-outs, they're long but pretty good and worth the read:
Approaching Feather Loss, Feather Picking and Self Mutilation
Author: Sandy Hume
Feather and skin problems are common and challenging to deal with. There is a long list of differential
diagnoses whilst their clinical appearance may be the same. The causes are often divided into Medical
and Behavioural and in many cases there are multiple diagnoses. When dealing with these cases,
clinicians need to be aware and clients need to be warned, that these cases can be complex, may need
multiple visits, a lot of diagnostics (i.e. money) and may never be cured.
Identifying Feather Problems
Feather Pickers generally have healthy head feathers. The most common sites of feather picking are
the axilla, flank, sternum, dorsum, thighs and wing web. Feather loss on the head is due to rubbing,
other birds plucking or feather diseases. The most common sites of Self-Mutilation are the sternum,
wing web, shoulders and dorsum. Owners often confuse moulting with feather problems.
Three main clinical syndromes have been identified;
1. Feather plucking by other birds (Cannibalism).
2. Medical Causes, i.e. feather picking/self mutilation caused by organic disease.
3. Behavioural Causes, i.e. feather picking/self mutilation caused by psychological problems
1. Feather Plucking of an Individual by Other Birds
Nestlings by parents. Generally involves body, spreading to head, tail and flight feathers. Severe cases
can lead to mutilation and death and require removal and hand rearing. Mild cases can be ignored.
These chicks will often become pluckers of their offspring.
Fledglings. Young African Lovebirds are often victims, occurs just after fledging. Lesions can be mild to
severe. Remove affected chicks.
Adults in Overcrowded Conditions. Seen in pet shops and aviaries. Dorsal body feathers affected.
Mainly seen in Budgies, Neophemas, Lovebirds, Finches, and Quail. Remove the ringleaders and
improve conditions.
Adult Males Plucking Females in Breeding Season. Mainly in Psephotus spp and Rosellas. Severe cases
need separation.
Adults Plucking Adults, Non Seasonal. Seen in Gang Gangs, Eclectus, Corellas, Conures and Macaws.
Usually involves flight and tail feathers. May also self mutilate soft tissues. Alleviate boredom, place
birds in a flock, work up self mutilators.
2. Medical Causes of Feather Picking
Allergy The allergic response of birds is not yet fully understood. Preliminary studies, response to
cortisone, antihistamines, vaccine therapy and exclusion diets have indicated that some feather
pickers are suffering from an allergic pruritis. Wheat, sunflower and Aspergillus appear to be the most
common allergies seen. However, the current allergen screen only consists of 12 allergens. Cooking
fumes and cigarette smoke are also thought to be contributors to allergic pruritis. This is an area of
significant development.

2. Medical Causes of Feather Picking cont

Ectoparasites. Mites are rarely a cause of feather picking as they dont cause much pruritis and they
are uncommon in healthy birds. Mites may live on the skin, within the feathers or only get onto the
bird to feed, e.g. Red mite. They can be seen with the naked eye, moving on the bird or within the
feather structure as small dots. The most common mites encountered in Australia are Scaly Face and
Leg Mite (knemidocoptes), Biting lice (ornithonyssus spp) and Red Mite (Dermanyssus spp). They are
generally easily treated with pyrethrin sprays or Ivermectins.
Endoparasites. The parasite most commonly associated with feather picking is the protozoan, giardia.
It is commonly reported in Cockatiels in the USA. The mechanism is unknown but thought that they
interfere with nutrient absorption. Giardia is not as commonly reported in Australia, but a number of
birds have been reported to stop feather picking after treatment with antiprotozoal drugs. A commonly
reported protozoan in Australia is Cochlosoma. There is little evidence of intestinal worms causing
pruritis.
Poor Environment Low humidity due to central heating, cigarette smoke, lack of access to bathing, are
thought to cause dry, brittle feathers, especially in rainforest species. Many birds will pick at the
abnormal feathers.
Endocrine Imbalances Despite much speculation, endocrine problems appear to be a rare cause of
feather picking. Moult is controlled by the interaction between the adrenals, thyroid and gonads but
the exact relationship is incompletely understood. Accurate diagnosis of endocrine disorders is also
problematic. One case of hypothyroidism has been shown to be associated with feather picking.
Infectious Dermatitis and Folliculitis Skin infections can be pruritic. Primary skin infections are
uncommon, generally the infections occur secondary to other causes of feather picking or selfmutilation. Bacterial or fungal infections are found. Some birds will respond dramatically to treatment
of Chlamydiosis (psittacosis). Diagnosis is by Biopsy, culture or response to treatment.
Viral Infections Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD or Circovirus), Polyoma virus and Agapornis
poxvirus have been associated with feather picking. The exact mechanism of the pruritis is unknown. In
the African Lovebirds with poxvirus, polyfollicles are often seen. Polyfollicles are abnormal follicles
that produce multiple feathers from one follicle.
Malnutrition This is one of the most common medical problems seen in pet birds. Seed diets are the
major cause of this problem. Chronic malnutrition leads to abnormalities in the skin; feathers and the
moulting process. Many cases of feather picking improve with better nutrition.
Neoplasia Feather picking is often associated with skin tumours and Xanthomas. Xanthomas are areas of
dermal infiltration of lipid and appear as diffuse yellow patches with a Morrocan leather appearance.
Some cases of feather picking and self-mutilation have been reported that are directly over internal
tumours or systemic fungal infections.
Heavy Metal Poisoning with Lead and/or Zinc This is a very common problem especially in the larger
species. Usually it is manifested as an acute systemic illness with vomiting, depression and weakness
being the most common clinical signs. A number of reports from here and overseas have indicated that
some birds, particularly with the chronic, low-grade form of toxicity, have stopped feather picking
after chelation therapy.

3. Behavioural Causes of Feather Picking

Stress Too much household activity/traffic near the cage.

Too little exercise.

Poor socialisation at a young age. Commonly seen in mass produced or wild caught birds. These birds
find many seemingly innocuous and or novel situations difficult to cope with.
Loss of companion birds or favoured people.
Seasonal problem, coinciding with reproductive behaviour.
Boredom Confined to cage for long periods
Little interaction with owner
Limited diet
Few toys, lack of visual and aural stimulation
Attention Seeking
Typically plucking occurs only when owner present and eye contact is made.
Control Device
Similar to a tantrum, used by bird when blocked from desired objects or activities. Owner desperate to
prevent feather picking, gives in rapidly.
Separation Anxiety
Typically plucking only occurs when owner absent, may be out of house or just out of sight.
Other Behaviour Problems Present
Birds that also have problems with biting, screaming, depression, phobic or stereotypical behaviours,
are likely to be feather picking for behavioural reasons.
Poor Wing Trims or Feather Trauma
Feathers cut too short are believed to be a cause of feather picking. Birds that fall, due to wing trims
that prevent flying, especially young birds, are prone to damaging feather follicles, which can trigger
feather picking.

Making a Diagnosis.
History
This is a key step. The use of questionnaires is increasing, particularly if behavioural causes are
suspected. A sample is included at the end of the notes. Useful information includes;
Age of bird at commencement of picking
Duration of problem and seasonality
Species of bird. Specific syndromes are listed below.
Where it started on the body
Origin of bird; hand raised, wild caught, 2nd hand etc.
Single or multiple birds, and number affected.
Type of cage, furnishing and contents, Indoor or outdoor caging
Diet
Household members and pets and any changes that have occurred.
There is almost no limit to the amount of information that can be obtained.
Physical Exam
Feathers are examined for ectoparasites, evidence of chewing, developmental abnormalities and color
changes. The skin is examined for damage, inflammation and other signs of dermatitis.
Fecal Exam
A fecal float and direct smear are done for Flagellates and their cysts. Giardia is commonly reported in
the USA in Cockatiels. Smaller flagellates such as Cochlosoma are more likely to be seen in Australia. A
Gram Stain is performed to characterize bacteria and yeast.
Hematology and Biochemistry

FBC and Biochem screen are performed. Typically in birds, ALT, LDH, CK, Amylase, Uric Acid, Glucose,
Calcium and Total Bile Acids are done.
Chlamydia Testing
A number of birds have stopped picking or self-mutilating in response to long (7 week) courses of
Doxycycline. Currently a simple, in house test for chlamydia is not available. PCR is still being
developed, and Clearview Chlamydia Antigen test lacks sensitivity and specificity. One of the more
useful tests is the Immunocomb Psittacosis Antibody test. The antibody response seems more consistent
as antigen shedding can be intermittent. It is more time consuming than Clearview, however.
Zn and PB Blood Levels
While not proven, many believe that heavy metal poisoning, particularly the low grade, chronic form,
is a frequent cause of feather picking. Discuss the sampling requirements with an experienced
laboratory, as artifacts due to sample collection and storage, are common.
Radiography
Radiographs can be useful in diagnosing heavy metal poisoning, the presence of tumors, systemic
fungal infections and other tissue abnormalities associated with self-mutilation, and other disease
processes such as liver disease.
Cultures
Cultures of skin, feathers and feather follicles can be done. These need to be interpreted carefully,
considering what are normal flora and the likely mix of bacteria present.
Biopsy
Biopsy of skin and feather follicles can be very useful in diagnosing infectious diseases such as PBFD,
Polyomavirus and Mycobacteria. Structural defects and other inflammatory conditions can be identified
Allergy Testing
Still in the development stage, some birds have shown demonstrable allergic responses through either
skin testing, treatment with antihistamines or cortisone, or the use of exclusion diets. Wheat,
sunflower and Aspergillus appear to be the most common allergies seen. However, the current screen
only consists of 12 allergens to date. It is currently a specialist procedure and your local avian
veterinarian can help direct you to a suitable center.

Specific Syndromes Associated with Individual Species, seen in Australia

African Lovebirds
Severe, extensive feather picking and self-mutilation of the patagial membrane, shoulder, neck and
occasionally cloaca are affected. Death due to secondary infection and hemorrhage may result. It may
be associated with polyfollicles. In the USA, Agapornis poxvirus 7 has been isolated in many cases.
Treatment with antibiotics, antifungals, diet changes, and allergy testing have been unrewarding. This
is one of the few conditions where the use of Elizabethan collars is both necessary and helpful.
Prognosis is guarded.
Generalised feather picking, as seen in other parrot species, with the same range of etiologies.
Budgies
Feather picking with polyfollicles, similar to Love birds, but without the severe self-mutilation. The
polyfollicles are common on the neck and tail base. Etiology unknown.
Generalised feather picking, as seen in other parrot species, with the same range of etiologies is seen
but at a much lower incidence. It is postulated that budgies are better adapted to cage and aviary
living
Rosellas
Plucking of the chest and abdomen. Seen in males and females and is generally associated with the

breeding season. They can be mild to very severe with birds completely denuded, leaving only head
feathers.
Lorikeets
Males and females, plucking of the chest and abdomen. Similar to Rosellas but non-seasonal.
Cockatiels
Plucking of the chest, shoulders and dorsal wings. Apparent pruritis of the feet and cloaca also. Non
seasonal. Commonly associated with Giardia in the USA, less so in Australia but a significant number
respond to anti-protozoal drugs.
Gang Gangs
Very difficult and severe form of feather picking, often completely plucking themselves. Rarely
mutilate the skin. This is generally regarded as a psychological condition, but there has been good
success in treating this condition with removal of sunflower seeds from the diet and adding lots of
chewable bush foods such as Banksia and Casuarina cones and branches.
Galahs, Corellas and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos
Chewing of flight and tail feathers exclusively, or chewing body feathers with or without tail and
flight feathers. This syndrome is often seasonal and seems linked to sexual frustration.
Severe mutilation of the skin and soft tissues especially over the sternum, often with feather picking.
This is only seen in pet birds and in young Galahs in particular, is associated with hysterical anxiety
behaviour. These birds will scream and throw themselves around the cage.
Ecletus Parrots
They can feather pick themselves or their mates. It may be seasonal, associated with breeding activity
or non-seasonal and associated with erythema and seborrhoea. The non-seasonal form has been
associated with either PBFD or an allergy to sunflower seeds and Aspergillus.
Asiatic Parrots (Indian Ringnecks etc.)
Feather picking is sometimes seen in pet birds and body, tail and flight feathers are affected. This
appears to be psychological and the birds are highly strung and emotional.
African Greys
Young adults will shred body tail and flight feathers. They seem to grow out of it.
Macaws and Conures
Birds of all ages and sexes plucking body, tail and flight feathers. The Queen of Bavaria Conure seems
to be severely affected.
Taken from Welle, KR , Clinical Approach to Feather Picking,
Proc Annu Conf Assoc Avian Vet, 1999 pp119-124

Recommended Reading
Avian Medicine and Surgery, Altman, Clubb et Al, WB Saunders, 1997
Avian Medicine: Principles and Applications, Richie, Harrison and Harrison, Wingers, 1994
Diseases of Cage and Aviary Birds 3rd ed, Rosskopf and Woerpel, Williams and Wilkins, 1996

Manual of Avian Practice, Rupley, AE, WB Saunders 1997

Vet Clinics of N America, Pet Avian Medicine, Nov 1991
Proceedings of Association of Avian Veterinarians 1989-Present
Proceedings of Association of Avian Veterinarians (Australian Committee), 1989-Present
Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, Published by AAV, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine, Fudge, A, ed., WB Saunders.

and:
Behavioural Problems in Pet Parrots: Feather Picking and Self Mutilation.

Feathers, feather picking and self mutilation.

The feathers of avian species have a number of functions: flight, thermoregulation or temperature
control, insulation and courtship displays (e.g. plumage colour, erection of tail and crown feathers)
(Proctor & Lynch, 1993). Feathers are vital to a birds survival in the wild, hence, a bird gives careful
and regular attention to them by preening. A bird will primarily use its bill but also its claws and feet
to meticulously condition and realign the feathers, and to remove the waxy sheaths through which new
contour and flight feathers emerge. Preening also waterproofs the feathers and generally serves to
keep them in pristine condition.
Feather picking is excessive preening of the feathers, whereby, the bird damages the feathers by either
plucking them out, chewing and breaking them, or may strip the barbs from the shaft but does not
completely remove the feather (Welle, 2002). Feather picking represents an extreme in feather care
and maintenance and is considered part of a behavioral continuum that ranges from normal preening,
to over-preening, to feather picking, and finally, in some cases, self mutilation (Woerpel & Rosskopf,
1989; Chastain, 2006). Common body sites for feather picking are the breast area, under the wings,
and on the rump (Welle, 2002). Repeated feather picking over a period of time can cause permanent
follicle damage, so that the feathers will not grow back.
Self mutilation is a severe form of feather plucking in which the bird picks at the skin and underlying
soft tissue areas, often on the breast, legs and underbelly (Johnson, 1996). This is a serious condition
and can cause sores, bleeding, and damage to nerves, muscles and tendons. Self-inflicted wounds are
also a breeding ground for bacterial infection.

Species that are commonly affected.

Feather picking is most commonly seen in African grey parrots, cockatoos, and members of the conure
family (Hoefer, 1997). Some authors believe that the high level of intelligence of these particular bird
species contributes to a higher incidence of feather picking. Furthermore, feather picking may be more
common in females than males (Johnson, 1996; Chastain, 2006). Cockatiels, gray- cheeked parakeets,
and Timneh parrots can also be prone to feather picking (Hoefer, 1997; Worepel & Walter, 1989).
Feather picking is best documented amongst psittacine species, although, as a behavioural problem it
is not confined to parrots and has also been reported in captive birds of prey (Jones, 2004), and
domestic fowl (Meehan et al., 2003).
Causes of feather picking and diagnosis: medical and psychological.
There is strong evidence that feather picking and self mutilation are conditions of captivity (e.g.
Woerpel & Rosskopf, 1989, Meehan et al., 2003, Jones, 2004). Self-induced feather damage is not seen
in wild birds, nor is it compatible with survival in the wild. In broad terms, the causes of feather
picking and self mutilation can be classified as medical or psychological. Very few cases of feather
picking are medical in origin (5% medical versus 95% physiological, Chastain, 2006), however, a full
medical check up should be the first step in addressing a feather picking problem.
Medical
Medical causes of feather plucking include: infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral, e.g. psittacine beak
and feather disease), external parasites such as mites and lice which can cause inflammation of the
skin and feather damage, and hormonal abnormalities such as hypothyroidism which can cause
thickened, dry skin and excessive feather loss (Proctor & Lynch, 1993; Hoefer, 1997; Sager, 2001). In
some cases, mineral deficiency and inadequate nutrition, such as deficiencies in protein, vitamin A and
E, and some essential fatty acids can lead to feather loss (Scholbe, 2002). Improper wing clipping, and
toxins or irritants (including cigarette smoke, perfumes and handcreams ) absorbed through the skin
can also cause birds to feather pick.
A veterinarian medical check-up and assessment for feather plucking should include the following:
collection of a detailed information on the birds life history, home environment, diet, degree of
social interaction and environmental enrichment.
thorough physical examination, including examination of damaged feathers and skin, and a biopsy
and culture of any skin wounds. Feather damage may be described and mapped.
complete blood count, chemistry profile, heavy metal screens, and thyroid screening
tests for Beak and Feather disease (an infectious viral disease, involves changes to the beak and
feathers including feather loss and deformity of new feathers), and Chlamydophila (a disease that
affects the air sacs and liver, causing birds to feather pick over the breast area)
parasite checks- fecal examination, and tests for Giardia (an intestinal protozoan that can be
associated with feather picking)
choanal swab
x-rays, may be warranted in certain cases.
(medical check list adapted from: Cannon, 1981; Johnson, 1996; Welle, 2002; Hoefer, 1997; Gartrell,
2006; Chastian, 2006).
If the medical examination fails to identify any problems, or if successful treatment of a medical
condition fails to resolve the feather picking, then the problem can be treated as a psychological one.

Psychological
Psychological or behavioral reasons for feather plucking are varied and complex. Feather picking is not
a disease but is a clinical sign of compromised welfare generally reflecting some form of psychological
distress resulting from one or more conditions. Conditions that may potentially cause, or act as a
trigger, for feather picking include: boredom and loneliness due to social isolation and lack of
environmental stimulation (Welle, 2002; Meehan et al., 2003a; Meehan et al., 2003b), confinement,
stress, fear, nervousness, and separation anxiety, (Davis, 2000; Welle, 2002; Gartrell, 2006). Sexual
maturity, hormonal changes and reproductive frustration (Van Sant, 2004; Johnson, 1996), displaced
aggression, attention seeking (Jones, 2004; Gartrell, 2006), and psychological disturbances, which may
occur in conjunction with other behavioural problems such as screaming (Gartrell, 2006), can also
cause birds to feather pick.
Psychological feather picking in birds has similarities to the human syndrome Obessive-Compulsive
Disorder (OCD). Humans with OCD display sterotypic behaviours that are repetitive and persistent,
and are often exaggerated grooming behaviours such as frequent hand washing, or hair fiddling. The
compulsive behaviour is thought to be associated with an internal mental conflict or anxiety.
Displacement or release of this anxiety comes in the form of ritualized or repetitive behaviour
(Chastain, 2006). Meehan et al., (20003a) propose that the neural mechanisms responsible for the
sequencing of behaviour are disrupted in human OCD patients, and suggest that a similar neural
disorder may underlie feather picking in parrots. Furthermore, they state that an enriched environment
that provides a parrot an opportunity to engage in a range of behaviours (i.e. increase its behavioural
repertoire) may reduce or prevent neural abnormalities associated with feather picking (Meehan et al.,
2003).

Treatment and prevention of psychological feather picking and self mutilation

Once any potential medical etiologies have been ruled out, the first steps in treating a bird that
feather plucks should focus on redirecting the birds attention to more appropriate behaviour. This
generally involves environmental enrichment and behavioural modification or training. In addition, the
owner should be encouraged to keep a detailed record of every feather picking incident and relevant
environmental factors (such as time of day, weather, visitors, changes to routine etc.) This may help
reveal patterns associated with the feather picking and hopefully the reason or trigger behind the
destructive behaviour.
In the wild, parrots are highly gregarious, and are extremely versatile and adaptable in their foraging
behaviour. Furthermore, in an experimental situation, some individual parrots are capable of complex
cognitive tasks such as categorization of objects and abstract concept formation (e.g. same versus
different) (Pepperberg, 1990). The behavioural capabilities of parrots provide evidence of welldeveloped cognitive capacities and intelligence (Rogers, 1997). In captivity, parrots are deprived of the
complexities associated with the natural environment, and are most often housed singularly in cages.
Denying an intelligent animal the opportunity to forage for its food and socialize can lead, or
contribute to, sterotypical behaviour and feather picking. By contrast, environmental enrichments
designed to facilitate foraging behaviour can prevent or reduce feather picking (Meehan et al. 2003a).
Access to conspecifics, by pairing and housing birds of the same sex together, has also been shown to
be beneficial in the prevention of abnormal behaviours such as feather picking and sterotypy (Meehan

et al., 2003b)
Environmental Enrichment
Mellen & MacPhee (2001) suggest that enrichment should include the animals entire captive
environment (i.e. how we house, feed, train and socialize with them), and be based on what we know
about the species behaviour in the wild, and the individuals history. Furthermore, we should set
specific goals, for instance, the reduction or elimination of feather picking behaviour, and a means of
measuring whether or not the enrichment is working to achieve these goals.
Environmental enrichment as a treatment for behavioural feather picking should include activities that
make the bird work for its food. For instance, providing opportunities for the bird to chewing through
barriers, opening containers, probe in hollow logs, manipulate and sort objects. Food items that
require effort such as non-shelled walnuts, peanuts (in small quantities), string beans or corn-cobs can
be offered. Access to items that can be shredded, such as pinecones and natural perches may
counteract less desirable beak activity such as feather picking. Physical enrichment is also important,
and can include the provision of items such as climbing ropes, puzzles, and swings. It is important
however, that any novel items are introduced separately, and toys are rotated so that the parrot does
not become too familiar or bored with them. Opportunity for exercise is also important and could
include supervision outdoors in a tree or garden, or if the wings are not clipped, an out-door flight
aviary, or supervised flight indoors.
Social Enrichment and Behavioural Training
Social enrichment should involve daily interactions with all family members, and regular play.
Behavioural training is important for socialisation and establishing the birds position within the family
flock. In a wild population of parrots, there is an established hierarchy; young birds are disciplined by
their parents, and then by older flock members once they reach independence. Discipline is generally
in the form of behavioural displays, vocalisations, and occasionally physical contact (Higgins, 1999). It
is often the case that parrots with behavioural problems, such as feather picking, have not been
properly socalised or formally trained as young birds and grow up with a lack of behavioural rules, and
in an environment where the social order is inconsistent (Chastain, 2006).
Training can include simple instructions such as teaching your bird to step on and off your hand, going
in and out of the cage, and holding up a wing or foot. All training should involve positive reinforcement
by rewarding correct behaviour with praise, petting, or food. Punishment for inappropriate behaviour
can involve either a sharp No, or time out in a cage. The most important factor, when dealing with a
parrot that feather plucks is NOT to reinforce the feather picking behaviour by giving the bird attention
when it picks at its plumage. Episodes of feather picking should be completely ignored (both visually
and vocally) and appropriate, non-feather picking behaviour should be reinforced.

Fear, aggression, separation anxiety, stress

The underlying reasons for stress, fear, aggression, and anxiety are hard to pinpoint but can often be
related to poor socialisation, and maladjustment to novel situations or stimuli (Gartrell, 2006), and
may act as a trigger for feather plucking. Steps to address these issues include:
If the bird is anxious and fearful- making it feel safe by ensuring the cage is placed at a reasonable
height (i.e. is not low to the ground), is away from frightening stimuli such as traffic noise and other

household pets, and that the bird has a place it can retreat to if necessary (e.g. a covered end of the
cage) (Dave, 2000).
If the bird suffers separation anxiety- the cage should be located where there is household activity, a
radio or TV can be left on when the family is absent, stimulating toys and foods that require
manipulating should be provided when the bird is alone.
Socalisation and training to establish appropriate behavioural boundaries.
Adequate sunlight, sleep, regular photoperiods, and opportunities to bath are also important.
Reproductive Frustration
Feather picking in caged birds can stem from sexual isolation and frustration. This may occur in
companion parrots that are kept alone and are overly-bonded to their owners. Owners may
unknowingly encourage pair-bond formation and reproductive stimulation by excessive petting
(preening), and the provision of environmental cues that stimulate breeding, such as a diet high in fat
and protein, and/or a nesting site within the cage. Consequently, hormonal controls are triggered, and
persist at high levels, however, as the bird cannot engage in mate selection and appropriate breeding
behaviour its reproductive frustration results in feather picking (Van Sant, 2004). Reducing the amount
of physical contact and overt petting, removal of nest material (e.g. newspaper and cardboard),
eliminating protein rich foods, and increased exercise during the breeding season may help remedy the
problem (Van Sant, 2004; Woerpel & Rosskopf, 1989). Placing the bird in a breeding or aviculture
situation may be the most practical alternative if all else fails.
It is extremely difficult to asses what could be bothering a bird so much that it would chew or pull out
its own feathers, or in extreme cases, self multilate. Furthermore, the problem is often multifarious,
and in many cases the condition may only be alleviated or arrested but not completely cured. In severe
cases, Elizabethan collars, body socks and/or drug treatment may be resorted to (Doone, 1998; Sager,
2001). These therapies provide temporary treatment for the condition and may reduce the symptoms
but they do not address the underlying cause for the feather picking behaviour. Feather picking is one
of the most common behavioural problems seen in pet parrots and unfortunately one of the most
difficult and challenging to treat.