![]() Very few species, and none of the larger parrots, can be considered domesticated. Also, they have been bred in captivity for a relatively short time. Parrots are especially susceptible due to their high-level cognitive abilities (acquiring knowledge by reasoning and understanding what is going on around them). This results in abnormal repetitive behaviours, including over-preening which leads to feather plucking. The captive living environment of most parrots, especially single birds in the home, does not meet a parrot’s social and behavioural needs. Plucking is likely to resume when the collar is removed, until the cause is found. It might help feather growth but it causes too much stress. “When the source of the conflict is removed, the behaviours may continue to be performed repetitively and pointlessly without a stimulus.” It has been suggested that the actual cause is often “exposure to suboptimal environmental conditions in which the animal is faced with unresolvable conflicts” (Dodman et al,1997). In part explain, why many birds do not respond to treatment. Eventually the behaviour may become ritualized and develop from a so-called maladaptive behaviour (trying to adapt to an inappropriate environment) to malfunctional behaviour (with abnormal brain function) – similar to addictions. When it becomes a habit, it is usually impossible to cure. Act quickly as soon as the problem starts. If the reason is psychological improving the circumstances under which the parrot lives is essential. In many female parrots, especially Greys, plucking of the breast feathers occurs in May, with the warmer weather and lengthening hours of daylight.Ĭonsult an avian vet. It occurs after a stressful event, when a parrot spends too long on its own, when it is in pain, and due to hormonal changes when a bird becomes sexually mature or comes into breeding condition. In Budgerigars, feather loss commences with the flight and tail feathers. Also, and especially in cockatoos, the beak becomes overgrown. ![]() ![]() It should not be confused with feather loss in psittacine beak and feather disease (PBFD) which looks different and often includes the top of the head. This behaviour has similar characteristics to hair-pulling in humans (trichotillomania) and hair-pulling in mice, guinea pigs, rabbits, sheep, dogs and cats. Later the inner thighs and wings and, in Greys, the tail feathers might also be removed or bitten. It usually starts on the breast and/or thighs. It is no coincidence that this is frequently encountered with the most intelligent species: Greys, macaws and cockatoos.įeather plucking is the removal or mutilation of feathers. The most serious behavioural problem encountered by companion parrot keepers is feather plucking and other feather damaging behaviours.
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