Hello - Why is my lovebird plucking its feathers? :(

[saltybirb]

Hello!
I'm new here. Anyway, I'll go straight to the main topic. I got my lovebird about 6 years ago with no knowledge about lovebirds. (Actually even now I'm not very knowledgeable about birbs. I just know I want to keep a happy and healthy birb.) My lovebird is orange and green. When I first got him at a local pet store (not tamed, and I don't know its age/gender etc.). The shop owner told me "its simple to keep a bird. Feed it food and water daily, shower it and clean its cage weekly." --> so I followed the instructions. I also researched about birds and tried to feed him fruits and vegetables. But he is really picky. He doesn't eat any of it except a bit of apple. He has no past history of medical condition and has been a very happy birb.

In June-July 2020, I noticed Pudding is losing some feathers around his neck area (I could see his down feathers) but I thought nothing of it, I thought it was moulting season. And nothing happened. In fact his feathers grew back to normal. But recently, I noticed he is losing even more feathers and there are blatant signs of him pulling his own feathers. I am planning to bring this little fella to the vet soon. I just wanted to get more opinions as to how I should keep Pudding a happy and healthy birb.

Here is a photo of his bald butt.

 

[taxidermynerd]

I would take him to the vet first. Rule out medical causes, then go from there. If you haven't seen him physically pulling out feathers, you may also want to have him checked for PFBD.

 

[Zara]

Welcome to the Avenue

I´m sorry to hear of your lovebirds plucking. A vet visit is in order. They will need to run tests to start the process of figuring out what is going on.

 

[sunnysmom]

Sorry your bird is plucking. Yes, a vet check is always the place to start. And then if no medical issues, then you can look into other reasons- not enough mental stimulation, boredom, stress, etc.

 

[Hankmacaw]

Here are some of the medical issues that can cause plucking.

Some common physical causes of plucking;
skin infections (bacterial or fungal)
Feather root infections (bacterial or fugal)
arthritis
Heart disease
Atherosclerosis
tumor
liver disease
lung issues (chronic infection or aspergillosis)
strained/damaged muscles, tendons and joints.

There are many purely physical reasons that a bird plucks as well as emotional reasons.

 

[Cynthia & Percy]

Welcome I agree a vet visit ASAP is needed

 

[Peachfaced]

Another one common to Lovebirds is polyfolliculitis. But I agree with the above -- there are many reasons a bird can begin plucking. It'll take time to narrow down exactly what that is. First step is to make an appointment with your vet, and keep records of how often you notice plucking, any additional behaviors, etc.