Plucking/Chewing feathers

[ShelbyA]

My White Fronted Amazon has recently gone through her bluffing period, and she had begun to chew her feathers. I hadn't seen her actually pluck any feathers until recently. I am going to see if chamomile tea will help? I read that someone with an African Grey gave the tea to them and they began to calm down. I have provided lots of preening toys and have only seen slight improvement. Any advice?

 

[.........]

@JLcribber @Macawnutz might be able to help
I hope you can manage to stop the plucking!

 

[Zara]

If the plucking is a new thing, a vet visit can help - just incase there´s an underlying problem.

 

[JLcribber]

You’ll need to provide more information to get sound advice. What is this bird’s story? Diet? Environment? Age? Plucking is a very complicated thing with no easy answer.

The first order of business is a vet check to rule out any medical issues. Most birds pluck out of boredom.

 

[ShelbyA]

She is 2 years old and has a diet of fresh fruit and veggies and the Zupreem natural pellets. Recently I have noticed an increase of pin feathers on her head, but not any other part of her body. She gets misted and regular baths during the week. Provided with plenty of toys she enjoys and she is out often. I am not sure that boredom could be the answer to her plucking.

 

[javi]

Of course the vet is best place to start. Is anyone in house a smoker (of anything)? Is there a new stressor for the bird or family? If you position yourself at her cage and look everywhere from her point of view is there anything that looks like it could be stressing her? Has her routine drastically changed?

 

[Gypsy]

I just found this about 5 minutes ago. I have seen many plucked birds within the past 10 years but would never have guess this.

 

[Kassiani]

I have a nearly 22 yo Cherry Headed Conure who is a life-long plucker and occasionally self mutilates. I’ve only had him for 5 1/2 months, but the worst of his behavior now seems hormonally driven. I use a petal collar on him when he picks open a sore on his chest.

Definitely a trip to the vet, but some good old detective work to see what may be triggering this behavior will help.

 

[Shezbug]

A vet check to rule out pain, skin issues and other medical reasons is important and should be done as soon as possible.

 

[JLcribber]

I just found this about 5 minutes ago. I have seen many plucked birds within the past 10 years but would never have guess this.

That is a fabulous video and dead on the money.

Goes right along with this article that every parrot owner should read.

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