by laraine
No one really knows for certain what causes this abnormality of feather plucking. If we had a guaranteed solution to the problem, we would be rich by now. Diagnosis is difficult because the same sign can be seen in birds with diseases such as boredom, fear, breeding frustration, inherited defects, dietary deficiencies, malnutrition, infection and allergies. The bird should have a thorough examination linked to laboratory tests to assess liver and kidney function, hormone levels, blood chemistry levels checked to make sure nutrients fall within the normal range or to check for infectious agents.
Feather Plucking is a disease of captivity. We do not see many birds in the wild without feathers! Plucking behavior is rare (except as a natural behavior in breeding pairs) in the wild. It is obsessive behavior and is a sign that the bird is upset, similar to people who chew their fingernails when stressed. Where stress, environmental and behavioral issues are involved, these MUST be identified and corrected.
The problem with stress and induced plucking is that the behavior often continues despite the removal of the source of stress. Diet can often be a key factor in treating this chronic problem. The most common nutritional deficiencies in Greys and many other parrots are vitamin A, B Complex, D, trace elements (e.g.zinc) calcium and amino acids resulting in poor feather and skin quality, which in turn predispose to plucking.
The first dietary issue is calcium. Because calcium is involved in nerve and brain function, a shortage of calcium can lead to many nervous disorders including plucking. That is why Calcium Plus is a part of our recommendation for feather pluckers as it has a natural calming effect.
We also recommend using Feather Fast to speed up the growth of the new replacement feathers. New feathers can irritate as they come through, and birds will preen heavily at this time. The scales can tip easily from preening to plucking if the irritation is excessive. Feather Fast will minimize any irritation caused by the emergence of the new feather. Feather Fast is a very comprehensive vitamin, mineral, limiting amino acid and balanced protein supplement. Feather Fast can be added to foods like eggs, fruit and vegetables. If the plucking bird is only eating seed, supplementation can be added through the drinking water.
Another supplement we have found to work very well with a feather plucker is Probiotic. Probiotic puts the good, beneficial bacteria necessary for proper digestion back into the bird’s gut. It also aids in the absorption of these digested nutrients.
The final product we recommend is Sparkle for the dirinking water. Saniclens will keep the drinking water clean and reduce the growth of dangerous organisms like yeast, fungi and bacteria. This is especially important if your bird drinks from a water bowl and has a tendency to make “poop soup” of the sparkling clean water you provide. Be sure that whenever Sparkle is added to the water, Probiotic is sprinkled on the semi-moist food. Never add Sparkle and Probiotic to the same water. They will cancel out each others beneficial effects.
The species most prone to feather plucking are African Grey Parrots, Conures, Cockatoos, Eclectus and Macaws. How do we know for certain how to treat our bird? We don’t. Every bird is different in what combination will actually work for its particular problem. This is the reason we offer two different kits in two different sizes. You might want to start with the small size to make sure this remedy will help your bird. When you determine that this protocol does help your bird, you will want to purchase the more economical sizes. Whether it is a physical or mental reason that your bird is a chronic feather plucker, you should see positive results within two to three weeks.
If this routine or drug therapies are selected, be sure to maintain your bird’s nutritional support.
Some veterinarians think it is a mental condition and prescribe Prozac. Certain internal or systemic disease conditions will produce skin irritation that results in plucking. Liver disease is one; Giardiasis in Cockatiels is another. This protozoal intestinal infection is well documented as being a cause of feather plucking in the U.S. If you suspect Giardia to be the cause, treat your bird with Ronex.
