Medical Reasons for Plucking?

[allison]

I just wanted to know some medical reasons for plucking so I can watch for symptoms before my vet visit next week. I know about allergies. I will be doing some research on my own too (so far, i've just been looking at ways to stop plucking).

 

[Cynthia & Percy]

guardia (sp) or other parasite

 

[suncoast]

Mites. You can see them on the nare area and also if you put down white paper in the cage bottom they show up after they've been picked off.

Ginger

 

[JLcribber]

There are many possible medical causes. Infectious disease, allergies to things like the ingredients in their diet. Coloring and dyes. Aromatics in the environment like perfume or air fresheners. Zinc toxicity has been shown to cause plucking. Internal parasites. They get feather lice which you can plainly see. This is usually only seen in compromised birds coming from very dirty over crowded conditions. Hypothyroidism. Diet deficiency. Lacking calcium is a big one. Not enough UV light and fresh air. Systemic disease. All these things need to be ruled out.



Recommended Vet tests.

 

[M.C Bird Rescue]

There are many possible medical causes. Infectious disease, allergies to things like the ingredients in their diet. Coloring and dyes. Aromatics in the environment like perfume or air fresheners. Zinc toxicity has been shown to cause plucking. Internal parasites. They get feather lice which you can plainly see. This is usually only seen in compromised birds coming from very dirty over crowded conditions. Hypothyroidism. Diet deficiency. Lacking calcium is a big one. Not enough UV light and fresh air. Systemic disease. All these things need to be ruled out.



Recommended Vet tests.

John is completely correct. I see UV light issues more than anything. People think they can just stick a bird in a room and be done. SOOOO Not the case! They need UV light and a great diet. Diet is another giant issue, lacking calcium as John stated. Having a full vet work up can be expensive but is worth it to not spread disease.
Habit can also be an issue. Once a plucker for years, this can cause a habit for feather chewing and plucking unfortunately.

 

[allison]

There are many possible medical causes. Infectious disease, allergies to things like the ingredients in their diet. Coloring and dyes. Aromatics in the environment like perfume or air fresheners. Zinc toxicity has been shown to cause plucking. Internal parasites. They get feather lice which you can plainly see. This is usually only seen in compromised birds coming from very dirty over crowded conditions. Hypothyroidism. Diet deficiency. Lacking calcium is a big one. Not enough UV light and fresh air. Systemic disease. All these things need to be ruled out.



Recommended Vet tests.

Thanks John, that was very informative.
I have a UV light above her cage now, but probably have to replace the bulb. I have another UV light too but that definitely has to be replaced. It's been over a year. I have an air purifier too but getting fresh air from outside would be difficult during this time of year. I can ask my vet about a calcium supplement and also candida since Maddie had/has it. I've been using the ACV for everyone though, and they don't get a lot of fruit, so I'm not sure if that's what is causing it.
I will definitely get the full panel. Don't want to leave anything to chance.

 

[Saemma]

How about allergies?

 

[Billie Faye]

Not enough moisture in the air can be a problem also..
here are some sites that might help you also:
Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Common Skin and Feather Disorders in Pet Birds Part I
Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Common Skin and Feather Disorders in Pet Birds Part II
Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine - Common Skin and Feather Disorders in Pet Birds Part III
Introduction to Avian Dermatology - Alistair Lawrie MRCVS
HolisticBird and HolisticBirds
That is just some of the sites I have ....

 

[itzmered]

Didn't your other bird Maddie just have a yeast infection? Could something have caused this and Harper also has one? Would that make her pluck?