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My cockatoo is plucking feathers and has a wound. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Cockatoo | Female | 10 years and 10 months old | 10 lbs

I have a cockatoo Moluccan 10 years old, she has a wound under her wing. She is having a plucking issue and she keeps scratching under her wing. Please help me

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Dr. Strydom, DVM

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 1st, 2023

Hello, thank you for using PetCoach. I'm sorry that Luca is having this issue.

Feather picking in birds is EXTREMELY difficult to determine the underlying cause in many cases. The first thing you have to do is rule out any underlying medical causes so you need to take her to an avian veterinarian for an exam and some testing. Your vet will also discuss the diet (improper diet can cause bad feather quality causing them to pick them out). If you can rule out an underlying medical condition then the issue is likely behavioral and your vet can help you with treatment which typically includes a combination of environmental enrichment and behavior modification medications. If you try to just keep "putting a band-aid" on the issue by avoiding the vet you are not going to get anywhere. If the problem is an underlying medical condition and that is not addressed, no matter what you do at home to "treat" her she will not get better. There is no quick fix for this problem.

I have linked below a good article for you to read about this problem in birds. I have also linked a topical mediation you can apply to the wound until you can get her to a vet. It is a spray hydrogel. If she doesn't like the spray sound you can apply the gel with your fingers or a cotton ball.

( https://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/sites/g/files/dgvnsk491/files/inline-files/Feather-picking_in_Birds.pdf )

( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/vetericyn-plus-antimicrobial-wound-and-skin-hydrogel-for-pets )

Hope this helps. Best wishes.
Vote Icon3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on July 5th, 2018

    Do a Google Search for "bird e-collar". There are many websites that have step-by-step instructions for creating one your own out of paper plates and other household objects, especially for smaller sized birds.

    If the feather plucking is behavior related rather than health-related, adding in some more enriching items such as toys that require chewing, puzzles, etc can help distract Maya and prevent boredom plucking. Spending time together can also help add enrichment which may help reduce her behaviors.

    If the plucking is related to parasites or a skin infection/illness, it is best to have a vet take a look. Parasites can be treated with products such as a mite spray from your local pet store, however infections/illness may require additional treatment or medication from your vet.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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