Why is my parrot plucking his feathers?

Is it normal for my parrot to pull out its feathers?

Feather plucking is a sign of an underlying abnormality in your parrot, i.e., stress, allergies, parasites, fungal infection, etc. Get a veterinary checkup to determine why your parrot is pulling out its feathers.

Feather plucking is a common vice among parrots, both in individually caged and group-kept parrots.

Feather plucking vs. feather preening in parrots

Preening is a normal behavior performed by parrots to remove dirt, spread oil on their feathers, and adjust the position of the feathers.

Feather plucking is a destructive behavior performed by parrots’ where they actively pull out their feathers, which can cause damage to the feather follicles and other associated structures.

We discuss the causes, treatment, and prevention of feather plucking among parrots. And how long it takes for feathers to regrow. In this post

What are the common causes of feather plucking among parrots?

Stress

Boredom

Separation anxiety

Too much or too little sunlight

Allergies

Excessive heat

Environmental irritants, i.e., smoke, perfumes

Parasites, i.e., mites, lice, fleas, and ticks

Skin fungal infections

Malnutrition

Hormonal imbalances

Sexual frustration

Skin cancers

Viral infections 

Bacterial infections

How do I stop my parrot from plucking its feathers?

First, establish the primary cause of feather plucking in your parrot before implementing any treatment or management protocol. The most commonly used treatment and management practices are:

Provide an Elizabethan collar for 2-4 months.

Provide a lot of toys to keep your parrot active.

Apply anti-parasitic medications 

Bathe your parrot with an antifungal shampoo.

Antihistamines

Antibiotics

Proper ventilation

Remove air pollutants, e.g., smoke and perfumes.

Apply bitter liquids to the feathers, e.g., bitter apple.

Feed a well-balanced diet.

Do the feathers of parrots grow back after plucking?

If the feather follicles are not damaged, within 12 months, the feathers will be back.

If the feather follicles are damaged, the feathers do not grow back.

Does feather plucking hurt parrots?

It’s painful.

Feather plucking causes damage to feather follicles and other skin structures, leading to irritation, bleeding, and infection.

How do I know if my parrot is plucking its feathers?

The presence of multiple bleeding spots on the skin

Forceful pulling out of its feathers

Sudden change in behavior

Unfeathered body parts

How many days does it take for feathers to regrow in parrots?

12 months

How can I help my parrot’s feathers regrow quickly?

Provide a diet rich in methionine, e.g., pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and spinach.

Ensure proper ventilation.

Eliminate the parasites.

Treat the underlying conditions, such as bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.

Keep your parrot active. 

Remove the air pollutants, e.g., perfumes, smoke, etc.

In conclusion:

Feather plucking in parrots can result from stress, boredom, allergies, or other factors. Consult a veterinarian to determine the underlying cause and develop a suitable treatment plan.

Contact us call / WhatsApp +256771909946 for free consultations on the current state of your pet 

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