One of the first things an owner tends to suspect when their bird is plucking is that there’s “mites”. In fact, pet stores sell so-called “mite protectors” which I’ll say right now are among the worst wastes of money for birds that can be.
No matter what the problem is, not a single pet store or internet product to either spray on the bird or add to food/water will work.
Mites are “Ectoparasites” – they live on the outside of the body, as do parasites like lice, another popularly thought of causation for feather plucking. The truth is that pet birds, especially when kept in clean, indoor conditions, rarely have mites or lice (or even fleas).
Cage (mite) protectors are either completely ineffective nonsense or dangerous pesticides. Many times I’ll see terribly plucked birds that are having a seriously bad reaction to the ‘mite protector’ – or worse, sprays that are put directly on the bird.
Here’s a pretty accurate way to know if your bird has mites: Put a white sheet over the cage at night. If you typically cover with an opaque blanket or sheet, put the white sheet underneath so it’s actually against the cage bars and corners. The more typical bird mite (when they do get them) don’t usually live on the bird. They live in hidden spots of the cage and come out at night for a bite (unfortunately, your bird). During the day you should be able to spot what looks like little grains of sand here and there on the sheet (especially at the cage corners). If you use a wet finger and ‘smudge’ one or more of these spots you will see a red or pink mark. This is the blood the mite got during the night.
The next most accurate way to know whether or not your companion has mites, lice or anything else – see your vet. They spent a lot of time in a very expensive university, plus internship and of course their years of practice just so they can be there for you and your pet. Use them!
Endoparasites are inside your pet. These will be worms, protozoa and so on, diagnosed when a fecal exam is done (and sometimes an oral/crop and vent swab). These parasites can become really serious if left untreated, so if ever suspected, get seen quickly. By the time it’s unmistakable with symptoms, it can be life threatening and end up costing you a great deal in time and money (plus heartache).
Feather plucking could also be an allergic reaction to air borne toxins like cigarette smoke or plug in air fresheners. Carpet cleaners, air sprays, scented candles, cooking materials, some foods and even personal scents like perfumes, colognes, hair sprays and other products might be doing it.
If your bird is not misted, showered or allowed to bathe regularly (daily is not required), it could cause skin irritations and feather plucking.
Chlamydiosis/psittacosis, thyroid disease (generally underactive) and liver disease are three of the top systemic causes. Air Sacculitis and Septicemia are painful conditions – and pain will frequently lead to plucking.
If your bird is exposed to zinc, copper, lead (most especially the zinc) it’s a serious problem (often life threatening) and one of the first symptoms is often feather plucking. Have a blood test done for zinc toxicity as soon as this is suspected. Zinc not only lurks in some cage bars, but in links, bells and many other seemingly harmless toys. Using a regular magnet check the metal around your bird. If it’s magnetic, there’s a possibility it’s zinc. It’s not definite, but possible. Play it safe.
Dermatitis/Folliculitis (ingrown, impacted and/or infected feathers) most certainly causes feather plucking and likely going off food, becoming aggressive or cranky – or very opposite, becoming very affectionate and needy.
Psittacosis/Chlamydiosis (Parrot Fever) tend to affect the liver and liver problems tend to produce feather plucking symptoms, among others.
Polyomavirus or Circovirus/Psittacine Beak & Feather Disease) are serious viruses. Quite often the feathers are malformed rather than plucked and losses of feathers in the beak area can result in what looks like black, oily skin or beak.
Neoplasia (cancer) may also lead to plucking in the area of the disease or tumor. More often than not it will be in the areas under the wings; however, it can present at any location. Skin may discolor and a tumor or growth may or may not be felt.
Problems with nutrition or malnutrition – lending to liver problems can, by itself, be a cause of feather plucking.
Poor or improper nutrition accounts for up to 90% of feather plucking problems according to some published veterinary medical studies and research. Some feather plucking that begins as the result of physical cause such as this or any one of those mentioned above, may end up a ‘habit’ – and once it’s a behavioral issue, it’s even more difficult to stop.
Emotional or mental issues can contribute to feather plucking. In cases like this, an in home evaluation by a behavior consultant would be a good idea. Finding someone who is actually qualified is not as easy as it sounds. Anyone can claim to be a behavior consultant; if they claim to be a ‘behaviorist’ or ‘behavioralist’ you should avoid them to begin with.
Only DVM’s (doctors of veterinary medicine) or other advanced degree specialists will have actually earned this title. In the whole world there are very few avian behaviorists.
Emotionally based plucking may be because of lack of challenges, interests, input, too small of a cage, not enough to shred or chew, even sexual frustration in a mature bird.
Try introducing new, interactive toys or changing the inside of the cage around.
Certified Avian Specialist
Cert. Avian Specialist; Int. Assoc.Animal Behavior Consult; Pet Ind. Joint Advisory Council; author