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Why is my parrot constantly plucking its feathers out? What can I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Parrot | Male

My parrot is plucking his feathers out for a long time

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on March 17th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about Rupu and including photos. Feather picking can be caused by behavioral problems and medical conditions. Medical conditions range from metabolic (liver, kidney), dermatitis (bacterial, fungal, viral), parasitic (mites), dietary deficiencies, and other systemic illnesses. Feather picking due to stress, breeding behavior, and others are also common. A veterinary visit is needed to assist with diagnosis and treatment plans. Dietary review is important.
Keep separated from other birds in case infectious and contagious.
Good luck.

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Rebecca, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 11th, 2017
I would recommend a veterinary visit for Peeru to rule out a medical calls for his feather plucking first. Pain, heavy metal and just Jen, or some other diseases may cause birds to initially start to feather pluck. But it can also be a very significant behavior problem as well. Provide him with plenty of toys and interaction to distract him.

Here's some more information to get started. Good luck

http://www.vetmed.ucdavis.edu/vmth/local_resources/pdfs/behavior_pdfs/Feather-picking_in_Birds.pdf

https://m.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-center/health-wellness/Preventing-Unhealthy-Feather-Plucking-in-Birds.html

https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feather-problems-in-birds

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on July 15th, 2018
Since I see you've asked this question twice, I'm placing my answer here as well for you to make sure it gets to you.

Unfortunately, those are all very general symptoms of illness in a bird, so it would be hard to determine what the issue is without an exam. If you have a vet in the area, even if they don't see birds specifically, it would be best to bring Amy there for care so that he can be checked for any common issues such as an underlying illness, malnutrition, parasites, injury, etc that could be causing it.

Making sure he has plenty of access to fresh food and water, and a balanced diet for parrots (rather than just being fed treats and snacks) as well as a few toys to distract him from plucking himself may help, as well as making sure his cage is kept someplace that is not too hot, too cold, or too stressful. If you see any visible wounds or injuries, cleaning them and keeping him from pecking at them may also help until you can have a vet take a look.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Jessica Desrosiers
Veterinary Technician
Published on February 11th, 2018
Poor Auric!

A good first step with feather plucking is to first rule out any health issues such as external parasites/mites, skin infections, illness, etc. These can all cause itchiness, redness on the skin, scratching, feather plucking, etc in addition to other signs of illness.

If he checks out healthy, looking towards things that may be causing stress or boredom is another good step, as feather plucking can be a result of both of these. Strange pets, new people, being in a noisy area, etc may all cause stress, while boredom can lead to over preening and feather plucking. You can also try adding in some more enriching toys such as puzzle toys filled with treats, or toys that are similar to feathers which can be chewed on and preened instead.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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