If your bird suddenly starts over-plucking, consider any recent changes in the bird's food, or environment that may have caused this behavior.
Normally when birds groom themselves---a process called preening---they will use their beaks to clean each feather and remove sheaths where new flight and contour feathers emerge. However, when caged, some beautiful birds will be driven to over-preen themselves to the point where they pluck all their feathers from their body with the exception of their head. This tendency to over-pluck can be caused by changes in routine or habitat, stress, or even infections.
Instructions
1. Take your bird to a veterinarian for a physical examination. The first step to stopping a bird from over-preening is to rule out any medical causes for the condition. Once the veterinarian has ruled out any medical causes, try other methods to stop the bird from plucking.
2. Move the bird's cage to a location where it will be happier. For example, if the bird is stressed by having people around, move the cage to a less trafficked area in your home.
3. Spend more time handling your bird, or consider getting a second bird to keep your pet company. Like humans, birds need social interaction and loneliness can cause them to develop feather-plucking habits. A second bird can provide the companionship the solitary bird lacks.
4. Provide the bird with lots of toys and treats inside the cage to discourage it from trying to pluck its feather. A bird will pluck as a result of boredom, so make sure the bird has lots of activities to keep it occupied.
5. Spray the bird with a bitter product, specially designed to prevent plucking. This spray can be applied directly to the feathers to discourage the bird from touching the feathers.
6. Cover the cage at night to ensure the bird is getting enough rest. Sleep deprivation can cause a bird to pluck its feathers. Make sure the cage is in a quiet location at night and that the cage is covered to help the bird sleep better.
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