Why Do Parrots Pluck Their Feathers? Not Healthy?

Many parrot owners are baffled and mostly have no idea why do parrots pluck their feathers. It’s quite disturbing to see your little furry friend tear itself out, but what compels the parrot to pluck its own feather, and what can you do to prevent it?

Many people see a parrot as an ideal companion mainly because of its beauty as well as its remarkable intelligence. One of the most striking features of any parrot is its colorful plumage. It instantly catches the eye and is primarily why so many people keep parrots as pets. However, the beautiful plumage parrot is also prone to pathological as well as behavioral disorders.

Solutions For The Unhealthy Feather Plucking In Parrots!

When parrots start plucking their feathers, know that it is not their natural behavior or any preening routine. A parrot’s desperate plucking is a cry for help because something is not right with the bird, and that’s why it is literally tearing its feathers out.

Don’t know why parrots pluck feathers? Read this helpful guide to learn why your parrot is destroying its strikingly colorful and attractive plumage and what you can do to prevent it.

Signs & Symptoms Of Feather Picking

Feather plucking is a common behavior in parrots. Parrots pluck their feathers due to several reasons. Many signs of feather picking can be seen in parrots due to viral infections, such as psittacine beak and feather disease. Several signs and symptoms of feather picking are:

• Skin infection due to loss of feathers.
• Feather looks damaged, bent, or broken. 
• Irritating and uncontrollable behavioral changes in parrots.
• They refuse to take proper food. 
• Bleeding in the area where the feather was plucked. 

Why Do Parrots Pluck Their Feathers❓ (Potential treatments and solutions for feather picking)

No more worries about your bird’s unhealthy behavior. You can cure feather picking after identifying the cause of such behavior. It can be a cause of concern if it is not treated at the correct time. Here are some solutions and treatments for feather plucking in parrots. 

🔴Provide a feather plucking collar: This collar will help to deal with feather plucking by wrapping them on the neck of parrots. So, the parrots cannot turn around and pick the feathers.

🔴Hormonal medication for parrots: They can have behavioral changes due to hormonal imbalances. Visit a professional vet and ask for a detailed check-up and provide supplements to treat such a situation. 

🔴Use a bird vest: The vest covers the feathers of the parrots. This can protect your bird from self-mutilation and feather picking. 

🔴Proper diet: Try different types of food and ensure that your bird gets all the proper nutrients from the food. Identify your parrot’s favorite food item and provide it as a treat. 

🔴Vinegar treatment: Add ¼ tsp of vinegar to 1 quart of water and spray the solution three times every day on your bird. You can directly apply the mixture to the damaged area safely.

Do Parrots’ Feathers Grow Back If Plucked❓

The answer is both yes and no. While in most cases, the feathers regrow in usually twelve months, some birds may take longer to reclaim their lost plumage. But unfortunately, in rare cases, the damage could be irreversible.

If any bacterial or fungal infection was involved that led to a deterioration of underlying skin structure, it is possible that your parrot can never regain its lost feather.

How To Stop Unhealthy Feather-Plucking Behavior In Parrots❓

Knowing the underlying cause is the first step to stopping unhealthy feather-plucking behavior in parrots. Observation is the key to determining the root cause of pecking in parrots.

Resolving the underlying issue will allow your parrot to ease out and stop plucking; however, you can take several steps to alleviate your pet’s condition and prevent feather plucking.

• Stick to a daily routine

Parrots often tend to follow a routine, and any changes could lead to stress and behavioral changes. Therefore, to ensure the optimum mental health of your pet, stick to a daily routine.

• Feed healthy food

Healthy food is indispensable for your parrot’s well-being. Ensure that your parrot gets all the needed nutrients in the correct quantity to keep them healthy.

• Clean the cage frequently

Poor hygiene is a leading cause of feather plucking in parrots. Regularly cleaning the cage will keep the surface pathogen-free and prevent diseases in your parrot.

• Place the cage in open air space

Make sure that your parrot receives enough sunlight and fresh air. To do so, place the cage in an open space as often as possible. It will allow your parrot to feel close to its natural habitat and alleviates its mood.

• Do not make them bored – support physical activities

Know that parrots are intelligent little birds. They love to play and get bored easily. In their boredom, they could turn to feather plucking. Offer them toys that boost physical activity and keep them occupied.

• Be friendly with them

Loneliness and neglect can also lead to behavioral disorders in parrots. Consequently, parrots may start plucking their feathers. To avoid it, offer them company, play with them, and perform activities that entertain them.

Let Us Conclude

By now, it would be apparent to you why do parrots pluck their feathers – restricted posture, too dry air, and an undersupply of vital nutrients, fresh air, and sunlight are some of them. However, plucking is not natural in nearly every case and demands immediate intervention.

Plucking is a coping mechanism, and if you observe your pet to be uneasy, restless, or missing large chunks of feathers, a prompt response on your part is necessary before the damage becomes more significant.

Most of the time, pecking is behavioral, and a few adjustments in the area you keep your parrot usually resolve the issue. However, sometimes the condition is pathological too, and needs expert assistance. In case your parrot continues plucking its feather, or you see bumps or lesions on its skin, immediately take your feathered friend to an experienced wet for examination.