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What Is Feather Plucking?

Drue Tibbits
Drue Tibbits

Feather plucking is a behavioral disorder of birds most often occurring in captive psittacine, or parrot, species. Affected birds methodically and compulsively pull out their own feathers. This self-mutilation is usually the result of psychological or medical issues, although sometimes the propensity for self-plucking is inherited. This destructive behavior can develop into a lifelong habit that permanently damages feather follicles, leaving a bird unable to replace the missing feathers.

It is not unusual to see a bird pull out one of its own feathers. During preening, a bird runs its feathers through its beak to remove keratin and other debris. Occasionally, a feather that is ready to shed comes loose during the preening process, making it look as though the bird has pulled out the feather. Feather plucking is distinct from routine grooming, however, and leaves large areas of bare skin as the bird removes healthy feathers. Birds affected with the disorder have bare skin in areas where their beaks can reach, such as the chest, under the wings, and on the thighs.

When birds compulsively pull out their own feathers, it is referred to as feather plucking.
When birds compulsively pull out their own feathers, it is referred to as feather plucking.

The main causes of feather plucking are lack of sensory stimulation, disease, and stress. In their natural environment, birds spend much of their time socializing, flying, and foraging for food. Captive birds, especially solitary specimens, do not have as much opportunity for these activities. These birds may resort to plucking their own feathers as a result of being bored. A 2007 study showed a direct relationship between the amounts of time spent foraging for food and the tendency to pluck feathers.

A variety of medical conditions can cause this disorder. In 2008, a study of birds that pulled out their own feathers showed that half of them had an inflammatory skin disease. The feather plucking can also be a reaction to any skin irritation including parasites, dry skin, or allergies. Nutritional deficiencies or illness can cause itchy skin and the resulting destructive behavior as well.

Bird owners can try to prevent or reverse their birds' self-mutilation with proper care and sensory-rich environments. Any bird that pulls out its feathers should first be seen by a veterinarian to rule out disease. Cages should be large and equipped with colorful toys and interactive playthings. Many birdcage accessories encourage birds to use their beaks both as a form of exercise and to procure their food. Solitary birds need frequent interaction with their owners as loneliness is not only a cause of boredom but is stressful to them too.

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Discussion Comments

Lostnfound

Yeah, feather plucking can be very, very serious. My neighbor had a rescue parrot who did it and she finally had to have the bird put to sleep. It was so pitiful. She tried everything. That bird had home-cooked food, free run of the house, attention all day long, toys, other bird companions -- you name it. Apparently, whatever that poor thing had suffered in the past was too much for it.

She was so upset, but the vet told her that bird had the best six months of its life with her, that she had done absolutely everything possible, and that at least, the bird had love and affection for the last part of its life. Gosh, but it was so sad.

Grivusangel

I know from bird owning friends that cockatoos are really, really prone to feather-plucking. Apparently, they require a huge amount of attention and enrichment and if you don't provide it, and don't provide a really varied diet, they will pluck feathers.

One friend took in a smaller cockatoo and had to get this little, well, pinafore, is the best way I can describe it. It straps on to the bird's chest and prevents it from plucking chest feathers. The darn thing is made out of kevlar! It's the only thing the parrot's beak can't tear! But she had to have it because the poor bird was self-mutilating. It was very sad.

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    • When birds compulsively pull out their own feathers, it is referred to as feather plucking.
      By: gavran333
      When birds compulsively pull out their own feathers, it is referred to as feather plucking.