Why Do Parrots Pluck Their Feathers?

If a parrot pulls out its own feathers, it is a warning sign that something is wrong. It could be a hidden illness. It may be stress, boredom or something in the house. Many times, it is a combination of these. If you've spotted feathers on the cage floor and bald patches on your bird, you may be wondering why parrots pluck their feathers and what you can do about it. This is a straightforward, easy-to-understand guide.

Vets often refer to this as "feather destructive behaviour". It covers a few different habits:

Vet guides refer to plucking as a syndrome, rather than a final diagnosis. That is, it's a symptom. The real job is working out what is causing it.

First of all, check if your bird is really pulling feathers or simply losing them. During a normal moult, birds shed and regrow their feathers. Diseases can also cause feathers to fall out. A cage-mate can even be the one doing the plucking!

If you know which one is happening, your vet can narrow down the cause.

Many people assume a plucking parrot is just bored. However, the Royal Veterinary College says the psychological type is actually the least common cause. Most birds with this problem have an underlying health issue.

Possible medical causes listed by vet sources include:

In other words, anything that hurts, itches or is uncomfortable can push a bird to pick at its feathers.

Behaviour still matters. Feather plucking can be emotional, particularly in large, very smart species that form strong bonds with their owners. Examples named by VCA Animal Hospitals include cockatoos, macaws and African grey parrots.

Some of the emotional triggers include:

Your parrot's surroundings matter as much as its mood. Cigarette smoke and other pollutants are listed by the RSPCA as possible causes. Extreme climate can also play a role, whether the air is too hot, too dry or too wet.

So, check around the cage. Is it close to a kitchen where there is smoke? A noisy TV? A spot with harsh sun or cold drafts? These little things can make a big difference.

Here is where it gets tricky. Vets agree that plucking very often has several causes at once. A parrot might have dry skin, a poor diet and a stressful cage spot all together. Each one needs fixing before the feathers can grow back well.

Your history of the bird is a big help, so note when the plucking began and any changes at home. An avian vet will typically check the diet and perform a complete physical examination. Tests may include blood work, droppings tests for parasites, X-rays, and skin and feather checks for yeast or bacteria. Occasionally, a small skin and feather biopsy is needed.

Some birds do more than just damage their feathers; they damage the skin or muscle underneath. This may lead to bleeding. The Royal Veterinary College says such birds should see an avian vet as an emergency. Also act quickly if new feathers look misshapen and drop out easily, as this can point to PBFD.

Learning more about why birds preen and why birds puff up their feathers will help you understand the difference between healthy and unhealthy grooming.

A parrot pulls its feathers when something is bothering it, whether inside or outside the body. It may be due to illness, stress, boredom or the air it breathes, and often it is several things at once. Take your bird to the vet first, then improve the home and routine. With patience, many birds feel better and their feathers have a chance to grow back.