MANAGING THE FEATHER CHEWING/PLUCKING BIRD

By David Hannon, DVM

Feather picking, plucking, chewing and mutilation are frustrating aspects of pet parrot ownership. There are dozens of medical, behavioral, nutritional and environmental causes for this, and it is important to remember that rarely is there a single factor cause, the disorder tends to get progressively worse with time, and regardless of how it started, it often becomes an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Even though this is a multifaceted disorder, there are several things that the parrot owner should do to discourage this behavior and slow or stop its progression, regardless of the cause.

1. Good Nutrition – A good diet is essential for normal skin and feather development. Over-feeding seeds and nuts often will lead to vitamin A deficiencies and protein imbalances that will affect feather growth. Feed a good quality pelleted diet supplemented with fresh fruits and vegetables.
2. Regular Bathing – Most parrot species originate from rainforest areas and are used to a fairly high humidity level. Regular bathing allows the bird to clean it feathers and skin, removing dirt and irritants, and decreasing the amount of preening needed to maintain healthy feathers. Many birds will enjoy a “greens bath”, where fresh clean greens (collard, turnip, mustard, etc.) are placed in a low-sided shallow dish or pie pan with ¼-½ inch of water, and the bird is allowed to play in it.
3. Remove Attention During Chewing/Plucking/Preening – Any attention an owner gives to a bird while it is chewing, plucking or even just preening can be positive reinforcement for that behavior, even if the attention is negative. Often times screaming and yelling at your bird can be perceived as a “drama reward”. It is best to remove attention completely during these behaviors, returning the bird to its cage or perch and physically leaving the area, if possible. Conversely, positive attention should be given to the bird while it is talking, singing, playing with its toys, or performing other desirable behaviors.
4. Provide Chewing Material – Often time feather-destructive behaviors can be redirected to toys, especially ones made from rags or rope, shredded newspaper, soft wood, cardboard tubes, mop heads or other things that provide an outlet for destructive behaviors. Offer a variety of things to be chewed within easy access of the bird.
5. Provide Environmental Enrichment – Studies have shown that parrots spend approximately 50% of their waking hours foraging for food, 25% of their time interacting with their compatriots, and 25% of their time preening. Since all the food they need is easily available in a bowl right in front of them, and we are their compatriots, then a parrot’s excessive preening can lead to over-preening, which can lead to plucking and chewing. Providing toys or feeding sites that encourage foraging behaviors, as well as other outside stimulation, such as the radio or television, can help keep a bird occupied when you are not available to interact with it.
6. Do Not Smoke Around Your Bird – Besides being a respiratory irritant, tobacco smoke also leaves residues on a bird’s skin and feathers that can cause irritation. These residues are also left on the hands and clothes of the smoker, and can transfer to your bird when you handle it. Washing your hands and changing your shirt (or putting something over it) after you smoke decreases the likelihood of these residues contacting your bird’s skin.
7. Avoid Chemical Irritants – Like tobacco smoke and residues, other aerosolized products, such as air fresheners, incense, carpet fresheners, bleach, etc., and other contact irritants, such as hand lotions, perfume, topical medications, etc., can also irritate a bird’s skin and encourage feather destruction. A good rule of thumb is, “If you can smell it, then multiply it ten-fold for your bird.” Also be sure to thoroughly rinse off any cleaners or disinfectants that are used to clean your bird’s cage and its fixtures.
8. Do Not Overtrim Wings – Aggressive wing trimming, or leaving trimmed feathers too long, can irritate the flanks and wings and encourage chewing at these areas. It is ideal to not trim wings at all in feather-destructive birds if possible, but if flight is an issue, then trimming just the first 5-7 primary wing feathers under the level of the covert feathers. This helps pad the cut end of the feather and keep it from further traumatizing the bird’s flank.