Pixie's Guide to Owning A Cockatoo

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Featherpickers Anonymouse

My name is Pixie, and I'm a feather plucker...

In captivity, the phenomenon of feather picking and plucking has become a wide spread problem. Plucking is one of the most common reason that birds are given up to new homes and rescues, which in some cases can make the plucking worse.

Picking seems to have two main causes - physiological and psychological. Physiological reasons for plucking include parasites such as Giardia, diseases such as PBFD, heavy metal poisoning, or even allergies. Psychological plucking can be traced to stress, inadequate sleep, or sexual frustration among others.

The first step to do if your bird starts plucking is to IMMEDIATELY take the bird to the vet!! The longer you wait, the harder it is to stop the plucking.

The Different Types of Feather Mutilation

Type 1: Fringing

Pieces are taken from the edges of the feather, resulting in a fringed or frayed look. Often seen in a ring around the neck or at the end of flight and tail feathers.

Type 2: Chopping

Chunks of feathers are progressively removed, leaving a V-shape at the end of the feather. The rough edge of the rachis (center of the feather) may irritate the skin, leading to more plucking.

Type 3: Pulling

Feathers are actually pulled out from the feather follicle. Most birds will cry out, as this can be extremely painful.