Feather picking in birds is a distressing and often perplexing condition for bird owners. Watching your bird pluck out its own feathers can be heartbreaking, especially when the underlying cause isn’t immediately clear. Feather plucking is not a disease itself, but rather a symptom of a deeper issue—whether it’s medical, behavioral, environmental, or nutritional. Understanding the root causes of feather picking in parrots, cockatiels, and other pet birds is the first step toward effective treatment and helping your feathered friend regain comfort and well-being.

What is Feather Picking?

Feathers are quite important to a bird. Besides flight, feathers help birds woo a mate and regulate body temperature, protecting birds against climate extremes. Birds pay careful attention to the condition of their feathers. They use their beaks to condition and waterproof their feathers and to meticulously remove the sheaths through which the new contour and flight feathers emerge. This is called preening.

When you understand preening, you understand how feather picking can happen. Feather picking is similar to preening, except instead of drawing a feather through the beak to condition, the bird clamps down on it midway through the process and cuts it in half or pulls it out. This will continue until the point of destruction. This is not normal, nor is it good for the health of the bird. If you suspect that your bird is feather picking, you need to take immediate action. The first step is to determine the cause of the behavior.

Which Bird Species Are Most Prone to Feather Picking?

Feather picking is a common issue in pet birds, affecting nearly 50% of caged birds at some point in their lives. While feather plucking can occur in any bird, certain species are more prone to this frustrating behavior. African Grey Parrots, Timneh Parrots, Cockatoos, Cockatiels, Macaws, Conures, and Grey-cheeked Parakeets are among the most commonly affected. These intelligent and sensitive birds are more susceptible to behavioral feather picking, often triggered by stress, boredom, or environmental changes. Understanding which bird breeds are most prone to feather plucking can help pet owners take proactive steps to support their bird’s physical and emotional well-being.

Causes of Feather Picking

There are numerous causes of feather picking, including health problems, a dietary deficiency, low humidity, boredom and pent-up energy, psychological problems, and attention-seeking.

• • Medical conditions behind feather picking can be allergies, parasitic or bacterial infections, cysts in the feather follicle, internal health problems, vitamin deficiencies, hormone-associated problems, and more.

• • A dietary deficiency might also lead to feather picking. Specifically, many birds that have low calcium levels tend to start picking.

• • Birds come from extremely humid environments, so the dry air in your house may be a factor in feather picking.

• • Birds are active and intelligent animals, and they need the opportunity to play, destroy, and exercise. When birds don’t get these opportunities, they get bored and may direct their energy toward self-mutilation.

• • Psychological problems may also lead to feather picking. Your bird might have an obsessive-compulsive behavioral disorder, or he might have gone through a traumatic experience, like a bad wing trim.

• • Lastly, birds love attention. Your bird might suffer from a behavioral problem or loneliness if they resort to feather picking to gain attention.

Once you have determined the cause of the feather picking, you now have to determine the correct form of treatment.

Feather Plucking Treatment

If your bird does resort to feather picking, see an avian veterinarian at once and be prepared to make the necessary changes to correct the behavior. Your veterinarian will be able to tell you if the feather picking is due to a health problem. If your bird is physically healthy, then you have to start making environment adjustments to see what will stop the picking. This might involve putting a humidifier in the room, keeping a radio or bird soothing music playing during the day, offering different toys, or moving the bird’s cage to a new location.

How Can I Prevent Feather Picking?

Preventing feather picking in birds starts with a proactive, holistic approach to your bird’s care. Key methods to stop feather plucking include providing a balanced, species-appropriate diet rich in essential nutrients, minimizing stress, and enriching your bird’s daily life with interactive toys and regular social interaction. It’s also important to be mindful of your bird’s environment—ensure they are housed in a calm, secure location with proper lighting, temperature, and humidity. Reducing boredom and environmental stressors is essential in preventing feather picking in parrots and other pet birds.

Supporting Your Bird’s Health: Overcoming and Preventing Feather Picking

Feather picking in parrots and pet birds can be a complex and frustrating condition, but with the right approach, it is manageable. By working closely with an avian veterinarian to identify medical causes and addressing potential environmental and behavioral triggers, you can help your bird return to a healthier, happier state. Providing a nutrient-rich bird diet, maintaining proper humidity levels, and ensuring consistent mental stimulation are critical steps in both treating and preventing feather plucking. Remember, feather picking is often a cry for help—your bird’s way of signaling that something isn’t right. With patience, care, and the right support, you can help your feathered companion regain comfort, confidence, and beautiful plumage.

For questions about shopping for bird supplies, food or toys, call our Animal Care Specialists at 800.786.4751. We’re here to help you find exactly what your bird needs.