by birdvet » Sat Nov 27, 2010 4:10 pm
Feather picking can be a nightmare. This topic has been discussed previously on this forum so its worth pulling those up and having a read. I've copied in the 2 client hand-outs we use to help owners understand this disease. Peppers is self-mutilating which is an extreme case and usually requires some serious intervention aka head collars (which I only ever use in self-mutilation cases) and/or drugs such as haloperidol. Of course, need to rule out the medical causes first before you can assume that the problem is behavioural.
Here're the hand-outs, they're long but pretty good and worth the read:
Approaching Feather Loss, Feather Picking and Self Mutilation
Author: Sandy Hume
Feather and skin problems are common and challenging to deal with. There is a long list of differential diagnoses whilst their clinical appearance may be the same. The causes are often divided into Medical and Behavioural and in many cases there are multiple diagnoses. When dealing with these cases, clinicians need to be aware and clients need to be warned, that these cases can be complex, may need multiple visits, a lot of diagnostics (i.e. money) and may never be cured.
Identifying Feather Problems
Feather Pickers generally have healthy head feathers. The most common sites of feather picking are the axilla, flank, sternum, dorsum, thighs and wing web. Feather loss on the head is due to rubbing, other birds plucking or feather diseases. The most common sites of Self-Mutilation are the sternum, wing web, shoulders and dorsum. Owners often confuse moulting with feather problems.
Three main clinical syndromes have been identified;
1. Feather plucking by other birds (Cannibalism).
2. Medical Causes, i.e. feather picking/self mutilation caused by organic disease.
3. Behavioural Causes, i.e. feather picking/self mutilation caused by psychological problems
1. Feather Plucking of an Individual by Other Birds
Nestlings by parents. Generally involves body, spreading to head, tail and flight feathers. Severe cases can lead to mutilation and death and require removal and hand rearing. Mild cases can be ignored. These chicks will often become pluckers of their offspring.
Fledglings. Young African Lovebirds are often victims, occurs just after fledging. Lesions can be mild to severe. Remove affected chicks.
Adults in Overcrowded Conditions. Seen in pet shops and aviaries. Dorsal body feathers affected. Mainly seen in Budgies, Neophemas, Lovebirds, Finches, and Quail. Remove the ringleaders and improve conditions.
Adult Males Plucking Females in Breeding Season. Mainly in Psephotus spp and Rosellas. Severe cases need separation.
Adults Plucking Adults, Non Seasonal. Seen in Gang Gangs, Eclectus, Corellas, Conures and Macaws. Usually involves flight and tail feathers. May also self mutilate soft tissues. Alleviate boredom, place birds in a flock, work up self mutilators.
2. Medical Causes of Feather Picking
Allergy The allergic response of birds is not yet fully understood. Preliminary studies, response to cortisone, antihistamines, vaccine therapy and exclusion diets have indicated that some feather pickers are suffering from an allergic pruritis. Wheat, sunflower and Aspergillus appear to be the most common allergies seen. However, the current allergen screen only consists of 12 allergens. Cooking fumes and cigarette smoke are also thought to be contributors to allergic pruritis. This is an area of significant development.
2. Medical Causes of Feather Picking cont
Ectoparasites. Mites are rarely a cause of feather picking as they don’t cause much pruritis and they are uncommon in healthy birds. Mites may live on the skin, within the feathers or only get onto the bird to feed, e.g. Red mite. They can be seen with the naked eye, moving on the bird or within the feather structure as small dots. The most common mites encountered in Australia are Scaly Face and Leg Mite (knemidocoptes), Biting lice (ornithonyssus spp) and Red Mite (Dermanyssus spp). They are generally easily treated with pyrethrin sprays or Ivermectins.
Endoparasites. The parasite most commonly associated with feather picking is the protozoan, giardia. It is commonly reported in Cockatiels in the USA. The mechanism is unknown but thought that they interfere with nutrient absorption. Giardia is not as commonly reported in Australia, but a number of birds have been reported to stop feather picking after treatment with antiprotozoal drugs. A commonly reported protozoan in Australia is Cochlosoma. There is little evidence of intestinal worms causing pruritis.
Poor Environment Low humidity due to central heating, cigarette smoke, lack of access to bathing, are thought to cause dry, brittle feathers, especially in rainforest species. Many birds will pick at the abnormal feathers.
Endocrine Imbalances Despite much speculation, endocrine problems appear to be a rare cause of feather picking. Moult is controlled by the interaction between the adrenals, thyroid and gonads but the exact relationship is incompletely understood. Accurate diagnosis of endocrine disorders is also problematic. One case of hypothyroidism has been shown to be associated with feather picking.
Infectious Dermatitis and Folliculitis Skin infections can be pruritic. Primary skin infections are uncommon, generally the infections occur secondary to other causes of feather picking or self-mutilation. Bacterial or fungal infections are found. Some birds will respond dramatically to treatment of Chlamydiosis (psittacosis). Diagnosis is by Biopsy, culture or response to treatment.
Viral Infections Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD or Circovirus), Polyoma virus and Agapornis poxvirus have been associated with feather picking. The exact mechanism of the pruritis is unknown. In the African Lovebirds with poxvirus, polyfollicles are often seen. Polyfollicles are abnormal follicles that produce multiple feathers from one follicle.
Malnutrition This is one of the most common medical problems seen in pet birds. Seed diets are the major cause of this problem. Chronic malnutrition leads to abnormalities in the skin; feathers and the moulting process. Many cases of feather picking improve with better nutrition.
Neoplasia Feather picking is often associated with skin tumours and Xanthomas. Xanthomas are areas of dermal infiltration of lipid and appear as diffuse yellow patches with a Morrocan leather appearance. Some cases of feather picking and self-mutilation have been reported that are directly over internal tumours or systemic fungal infections.
Heavy Metal Poisoning with Lead and/or Zinc This is a very common problem especially in the larger species. Usually it is manifested as an acute systemic illness with vomiting, depression and weakness being the most common clinical signs. A number of reports from here and overseas have indicated that some birds, particularly with the chronic, low-grade form of toxicity, have stopped feather picking after chelation therapy.
3. Behavioural Causes of Feather Picking
Stress Too much household activity/traffic near the cage.
Too little exercise.
Poor socialisation at a young age. Commonly seen in mass produced or wild caught birds. These birds find many seemingly innocuous and or novel situations difficult to cope with.
Loss of companion birds or favoured people.
Seasonal problem, coinciding with reproductive behaviour.
Boredom Confined to cage for long periods
Little interaction with owner
Limited diet
Few toys, lack of visual and aural stimulation
Attention Seeking
Typically plucking occurs only when owner present and eye contact is made.
Control Device
Similar to a tantrum, used by bird when blocked from desired objects or activities. Owner desperate to prevent feather picking, gives in rapidly.
Separation Anxiety
Typically plucking only occurs when owner absent, may be out of house or just out of sight.
Other Behaviour Problems Present
Birds that also have problems with biting, screaming, depression, phobic or stereotypical behaviours, are likely to be feather picking for behavioural reasons.
Poor Wing Trims or Feather Trauma
Feathers cut too short are believed to be a cause of feather picking. Birds that fall, due to wing trims that prevent flying, especially young birds, are prone to damaging feather follicles, which can trigger feather picking.
Making a Diagnosis.
History
This is a key step. The use of questionnaires is increasing, particularly if behavioural causes are suspected. A sample is included at the end of the notes. Useful information includes;
• Age of bird at commencement of picking
• Duration of problem and seasonality
• Species of bird. Specific syndromes are listed below.
• Where it started on the body
• Origin of bird; hand raised, wild caught, 2nd hand etc.
• Single or multiple birds, and number affected.
• Type of cage, furnishing and contents, Indoor or outdoor caging
• Diet
• Household members and pets and any changes that have occurred.
There is almost no limit to the amount of information that can be obtained.
Physical Exam
Feathers are examined for ectoparasites, evidence of chewing, developmental abnormalities and color changes. The skin is examined for damage, inflammation and other signs of dermatitis.
Fecal Exam
A fecal float and direct smear are done for Flagellates and their cysts. Giardia is commonly reported in the USA in Cockatiels. Smaller flagellates such as Cochlosoma are more likely to be seen in Australia. A Gram Stain is performed to characterize bacteria and yeast.
Hematology and Biochemistry
FBC and Biochem screen are performed. Typically in birds, ALT, LDH, CK, Amylase, Uric Acid, Glucose, Calcium and Total Bile Acids are done.
Chlamydia Testing
A number of birds have stopped picking or self-mutilating in response to long (7 week) courses of Doxycycline. Currently a simple, in house test for chlamydia is not available. PCR is still being developed, and Clearview Chlamydia Antigen test lacks sensitivity and specificity. One of the more useful tests is the Immunocomb Psittacosis Antibody test. The antibody response seems more consistent as antigen shedding can be intermittent. It is more time consuming than Clearview, however.
Zn and PB Blood Levels
While not proven, many believe that heavy metal poisoning, particularly the low grade, chronic form, is a frequent cause of feather picking. Discuss the sampling requirements with an experienced laboratory, as artifacts due to sample collection and storage, are common.
Radiography
Radiographs can be useful in diagnosing heavy metal poisoning, the presence of tumors, systemic fungal infections and other tissue abnormalities associated with self-mutilation, and other disease processes such as liver disease.
Cultures
Cultures of skin, feathers and feather follicles can be done. These need to be interpreted carefully, considering what are normal flora and the likely mix of bacteria present.
Biopsy
Biopsy of skin and feather follicles can be very useful in diagnosing infectious diseases such as PBFD, Polyomavirus and Mycobacteria. Structural defects and other inflammatory conditions can be identified
Allergy Testing
Still in the development stage, some birds have shown demonstrable allergic responses through either skin testing, treatment with antihistamines or cortisone, or the use of exclusion diets. Wheat, sunflower and Aspergillus appear to be the most common allergies seen. However, the current screen only consists of 12 allergens to date. It is currently a specialist procedure and your local avian veterinarian can help direct you to a suitable center.
Specific Syndromes Associated with Individual Species, seen in Australia
African Lovebirds
• Severe, extensive feather picking and self-mutilation of the patagial membrane, shoulder, neck and occasionally cloaca are affected. Death due to secondary infection and hemorrhage may result. It may be associated with polyfollicles. In the USA, Agapornis poxvirus 7 has been isolated in many cases. Treatment with antibiotics, antifungals, diet changes, and allergy testing have been unrewarding. This is one of the few conditions where the use of Elizabethan collars is both necessary and helpful. Prognosis is guarded.
• Generalised feather picking, as seen in other parrot species, with the same range of etiologies.
Budgies
• Feather picking with polyfollicles, similar to Love birds, but without the severe self-mutilation. The polyfollicles are common on the neck and tail base. Etiology unknown.
• Generalised feather picking, as seen in other parrot species, with the same range of etiologies is seen but at a much lower incidence. It is postulated that budgies are better adapted to cage and aviary living
Rosellas
Plucking of the chest and abdomen. Seen in males and females and is generally associated with the breeding season. They can be mild to very severe with birds completely denuded, leaving only head feathers.
Lorikeets
Males and females, plucking of the chest and abdomen. Similar to Rosellas but non-seasonal.
Cockatiels
Plucking of the chest, shoulders and dorsal wings. Apparent pruritis of the feet and cloaca also. Non seasonal. Commonly associated with Giardia in the USA, less so in Australia but a significant number respond to anti-protozoal drugs.
Gang Gangs
Very difficult and severe form of feather picking, often completely plucking themselves. Rarely mutilate the skin. This is generally regarded as a psychological condition, but there has been good success in treating this condition with removal of sunflower seeds from the diet and adding lots of chewable bush foods such as Banksia and Casuarina cones and branches.
Galahs, Corellas and Sulphur Crested Cockatoos
• Chewing of flight and tail feathers exclusively, or chewing body feathers with or without tail and flight feathers. This syndrome is often seasonal and seems linked to sexual frustration.
• Severe mutilation of the skin and soft tissues especially over the sternum, often with feather picking. This is only seen in pet birds and in young Galahs in particular, is associated with hysterical anxiety behaviour. These birds will scream and throw themselves around the cage.
Ecletus Parrots
They can feather pick themselves or their mates. It may be seasonal, associated with breeding activity or non-seasonal and associated with erythema and seborrhoea. The non-seasonal form has been associated with either PBFD or an allergy to sunflower seeds and Aspergillus.
Asiatic Parrots (Indian Ringnecks etc.)
Feather picking is sometimes seen in pet birds and body, tail and flight feathers are affected. This appears to be psychological and the birds are highly strung and emotional.
African Greys
Young adults will shred body tail and flight feathers. They seem to grow out of it.
Macaws and Conures
Birds of all ages and sexes plucking body, tail and flight feathers. The Queen of Bavaria Conure seems to be severely affected.
Taken from Welle, KR , Clinical Approach to Feather Picking,
Proc Annu Conf Assoc Avian Vet, 1999 pp119-124
Recommended Reading
Avian Medicine and Surgery, Altman, Clubb et Al, WB Saunders, 1997
Avian Medicine: Principles and Applications, Richie, Harrison and Harrison, Wingers, 1994
Diseases of Cage and Aviary Birds 3rd ed, Rosskopf and Woerpel, Williams and Wilkins, 1996
Manual of Avian Practice, Rupley, AE, WB Saunders 1997
Vet Clinics of N America, Pet Avian Medicine, Nov 1991
Proceedings of Association of Avian Veterinarians 1989-Present
Proceedings of Association of Avian Veterinarians (Australian Committee), 1989-Present
Journal of Avian Medicine and Surgery, Published by AAV, Boca Raton, Florida, USA
Seminars in Avian and Exotic Pet Medicine, Fudge, A, ed., WB Saunders.
and:
Behavioural Problems in Pet Parrots: Feather Picking and Self Mutilation.
Feathers, feather picking and self mutilation.
The feathers of avian species have a number of functions: flight, thermoregulation or temperature control, insulation and courtship displays (e.g. plumage colour, erection of tail and crown feathers) (Proctor & Lynch, 1993). Feathers are vital to a bird’s survival in the wild, hence, a bird gives careful and regular attention to them by preening. A bird will primarily use its bill but also its claws and feet to meticulously condition and realign the feathers, and to remove the waxy sheaths through which new contour and flight feathers emerge. Preening also waterproofs the feathers and generally serves to keep them in pristine condition.
Feather picking is excessive preening of the feathers, whereby, the bird damages the feathers by either plucking them out, chewing and breaking them, or may strip the barbs from the shaft but does not completely remove the feather (Welle, 2002). Feather picking represents an extreme in feather care and maintenance and is considered part of a behavioral continuum that ranges from normal preening, to over-preening, to feather picking, and finally, in some cases, self mutilation (Woerpel & Rosskopf, 1989; Chastain, 2006). Common body sites for feather picking are the breast area, under the wings, and on the rump (Welle, 2002). Repeated feather picking over a period of time can cause permanent follicle damage, so that the feathers will not grow back.
Self mutilation is a severe form of feather plucking in which the bird picks at the skin and underlying soft tissue areas, often on the breast, legs and underbelly (Johnson, 1996). This is a serious condition and can cause sores, bleeding, and damage to nerves, muscles and tendons. Self-inflicted wounds are also a breeding ground for bacterial infection.
Species that are commonly affected.
Feather picking is most commonly seen in African grey parrots, cockatoos, and members of the conure family (Hoefer, 1997). Some authors believe that the high level of intelligence of these particular bird species contributes to a higher incidence of feather picking. Furthermore, feather picking may be more common in females than males (Johnson, 1996; Chastain, 2006). Cockatiels, gray- cheeked parakeets, and Timneh parrots can also be prone to feather picking (Hoefer, 1997; Worepel & Walter, 1989). Feather picking is best documented amongst psittacine species, although, as a behavioural problem it is not confined to parrots and has also been reported in captive birds of prey (Jones, 2004), and domestic fowl (Meehan et al., 2003).
Causes of feather picking and diagnosis: medical and psychological.
There is strong evidence that feather picking and self mutilation are conditions of captivity (e.g. Woerpel & Rosskopf, 1989, Meehan et al., 2003, Jones, 2004). Self-induced feather damage is not seen in wild birds, nor is it compatible with survival in the wild. In broad terms, the causes of feather picking and self mutilation can be classified as medical or psychological. Very few cases of feather picking are medical in origin (5% medical versus 95% physiological, Chastain, 2006), however, a full medical check up should be the first step in addressing a feather picking problem.
Medical
Medical causes of feather plucking include: infections (bacterial, fungal, or viral, e.g. psittacine beak and feather disease), external parasites such as mites and lice which can cause inflammation of the skin and feather damage, and hormonal abnormalities such as hypothyroidism which can cause thickened, dry skin and excessive feather loss (Proctor & Lynch, 1993; Hoefer, 1997; Sager, 2001). In some cases, mineral deficiency and inadequate nutrition, such as deficiencies in protein, vitamin A and E, and some essential fatty acids can lead to feather loss (Scholbe, 2002). Improper wing clipping, and toxins or irritants (including cigarette smoke, perfumes and handcreams ) absorbed through the skin can also cause birds to feather pick.
A veterinarian medical check-up and assessment for feather plucking should include the following:
• collection of a detailed information on the bird’s life history, home environment, diet, degree of social interaction and environmental enrichment.
• thorough physical examination, including examination of damaged feathers and skin, and a biopsy and culture of any skin wounds. Feather damage may be described and mapped.
• complete blood count, chemistry profile, heavy metal screens, and thyroid screening
• tests for Beak and Feather disease (an infectious viral disease, involves changes to the beak and feathers including feather loss and deformity of new feathers), and Chlamydophila (a disease that affects the air sacs and liver, causing birds to feather pick over the breast area)
• parasite checks- fecal examination, and tests for Giardia (an intestinal protozoan that can be associated with feather picking)
• choanal swab
• x-rays, may be warranted in certain cases.
(medical check list adapted from: Cannon, 1981; Johnson, 1996; Welle, 2002; Hoefer, 1997; Gartrell, 2006; Chastian, 2006).
If the medical examination fails to identify any problems, or if successful treatment of a medical condition fails to resolve the feather picking, then the problem can be treated as a psychological one.
Psychological
Psychological or behavioral reasons for feather plucking are varied and complex. Feather picking is not a disease but is a clinical sign of compromised welfare generally reflecting some form of psychological distress resulting from one or more conditions. Conditions that may potentially cause, or act as a trigger, for feather picking include: boredom and loneliness due to social isolation and lack of environmental stimulation (Welle, 2002; Meehan et al., 2003a; Meehan et al., 2003b), confinement, stress, fear, nervousness, and separation anxiety, (Davis, 2000; Welle, 2002; Gartrell, 2006). Sexual maturity, hormonal changes and reproductive frustration (Van Sant, 2004; Johnson, 1996), displaced aggression, attention seeking (Jones, 2004; Gartrell, 2006), and psychological disturbances, which may occur in conjunction with other behavioural problems such as screaming (Gartrell, 2006), can also cause birds to feather pick.
Psychological feather picking in birds has similarities to the human syndrome Obessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Humans with OCD display ‘sterotypic behaviours’ that are repetitive and persistent, and are often exaggerated grooming behaviours such as frequent hand washing, or hair fiddling. The compulsive behaviour is thought to be associated with an internal mental conflict or anxiety. Displacement or release of this anxiety comes in the form of ritualized or repetitive behaviour (Chastain, 2006). Meehan et al., (20003a) propose that the neural mechanisms responsible for the sequencing of behaviour are disrupted in human OCD patients, and suggest that a similar neural disorder may underlie feather picking in parrots. Furthermore, they state that an enriched environment that provides a parrot an opportunity to engage in a range of behaviours (i.e. increase its behavioural repertoire) may reduce or prevent neural abnormalities associated with feather picking (Meehan et al., 2003).
Treatment and prevention of psychological feather picking and self mutilation
Once any potential medical etiologies have been ruled out, the first steps in treating a bird that feather plucks should focus on redirecting the birds attention to more appropriate behaviour. This generally involves environmental enrichment and behavioural modification or training. In addition, the owner should be encouraged to keep a detailed record of every feather picking incident and relevant environmental factors (such as time of day, weather, visitors, changes to routine etc.) This may help reveal patterns associated with the feather picking and hopefully the reason or trigger behind the destructive behaviour.
In the wild, parrots are highly gregarious, and are extremely versatile and adaptable in their foraging behaviour. Furthermore, in an experimental situation, some individual parrots are capable of complex cognitive tasks such as categorization of objects and abstract concept formation (e.g. same versus different) (Pepperberg, 1990). The behavioural capabilities of parrots provide evidence of well-developed cognitive capacities and intelligence (Rogers, 1997). In captivity, parrots are deprived of the complexities associated with the natural environment, and are most often housed singularly in cages. Denying an intelligent animal the opportunity to forage for its food and socialize can lead, or contribute to, sterotypical behaviour and feather picking. By contrast, environmental enrichments designed to facilitate foraging behaviour can prevent or reduce feather picking (Meehan et al. 2003a). Access to conspecifics, by pairing and housing birds of the same sex together, has also been shown to be beneficial in the prevention of abnormal behaviours such as feather picking and sterotypy (Meehan et al., 2003b)
Environmental Enrichment
Mellen & MacPhee (2001) suggest that enrichment should include the animals entire captive environment (i.e. how we house, feed, train and socialize with them), and be based on what we know about the species behaviour in the wild, and the individual’s history. Furthermore, we should set specific goals, for instance, the reduction or elimination of feather picking behaviour, and a means of measuring whether or not the enrichment is working to achieve these goals.
Environmental enrichment as a treatment for behavioural feather picking should include activities that make the bird ‘work for its food’. For instance, providing opportunities for the bird to chewing through barriers, opening containers, probe in hollow logs, manipulate and sort objects. Food items that require effort such as non-shelled walnuts, peanuts (in small quantities), string beans or corn-cobs can be offered. Access to items that can be shredded, such as pinecones and natural perches may counteract less desirable beak activity such as feather picking. Physical enrichment is also important, and can include the provision of items such as climbing ropes, puzzles, and swings. It is important however, that any novel items are introduced separately, and toys are rotated so that the parrot does not become too familiar or ‘bored’ with them. Opportunity for exercise is also important and could include supervision outdoors in a tree or garden, or if the wings are not clipped, an out-door flight aviary, or supervised flight indoors.
Social Enrichment and Behavioural Training
Social enrichment should involve daily interactions with all family members, and regular play. Behavioural training is important for socialisation and establishing the bird’s position within the ‘family flock’. In a wild population of parrots, there is an established hierarchy; young birds are disciplined by their parent’s, and then by older flock members once they reach independence. Discipline is generally in the form of behavioural displays, vocalisations, and occasionally physical contact (Higgins, 1999). It is often the case that parrots with behavioural problems, such as feather picking, have not been properly socalised or formally trained as young bird’s and grow up with a lack of behavioural rules, and in an environment where the social order is inconsistent (Chastain, 2006).
Training can include simple instructions such as teaching your bird to step on and off your hand, going in and out of the cage, and holding up a wing or foot. All training should involve positive reinforcement by rewarding correct behaviour with praise, petting, or food. “Punishment’ for inappropriate behaviour can involve either a sharp “No”, or time out in a cage. The most important factor, when dealing with a parrot that feather plucks is NOT to reinforce the feather picking behaviour by giving the bird attention when it picks at its plumage. Episodes of feather picking should be completely ignored (both visually and vocally) and appropriate, non-feather picking behaviour should be reinforced.
Fear, aggression, separation anxiety, stress
The underlying reasons for stress, fear, aggression, and anxiety are hard to pinpoint but can often be related to poor socialisation, and maladjustment to novel situations or stimuli (Gartrell, 2006), and may act as a trigger for feather plucking. Steps to address these issues include:
• If the bird is anxious and fearful- making it feel safe by ensuring the cage is placed at a reasonable height (i.e. is not low to the ground), is away from frightening stimuli such as traffic noise and other household pets, and that the bird has a place it can retreat to if necessary (e.g. a covered end of the cage) (Dave, 2000).
• If the bird suffers separation anxiety- the cage should be located where there is household activity, a radio or TV can be left on when the family is absent, stimulating toys and foods that require manipulating should be provided when the bird is alone.
• Socalisation and training to establish appropriate behavioural boundaries.
• Adequate sunlight, sleep, regular photoperiods, and opportunities to bath are also important.
Reproductive Frustration
Feather picking in caged birds can stem from sexual isolation and frustration. This may occur in companion parrots that are kept alone and are overly-bonded to their owners. Owners may unknowingly encourage pair-bond formation and reproductive stimulation by excessive petting (preening), and the provision of environmental cues that stimulate breeding, such as a diet high in fat and protein, and/or a nesting site within the cage. Consequently, hormonal controls are triggered, and persist at high levels, however, as the bird cannot engage in mate selection and appropriate breeding behaviour it’s reproductive frustration results in feather picking (Van Sant, 2004). Reducing the amount of physical contact and overt petting, removal of nest material (e.g. newspaper and cardboard), eliminating protein rich foods, and increased exercise during the breeding season may help remedy the problem (Van Sant, 2004; Woerpel & Rosskopf, 1989). Placing the bird in a breeding or aviculture situation may be the most practical alternative if all else fails.
It is extremely difficult to asses what could be bothering a bird so much that it would chew or pull out it’s own feathers, or in extreme cases, self multilate. Furthermore, the problem is often multifarious, and in many cases the condition may only be alleviated or arrested but not completely cured. In severe cases, Elizabethan collars, body socks and/or drug treatment may be resorted to (Doone, 1998; Sager, 2001). These therapies provide temporary treatment for the condition and may reduce the symptoms but they do not address the underlying cause for the feather picking behaviour. Feather picking is one of the most common behavioural problems seen in pet parrots’ and unfortunately one of the most difficult and challenging to treat.
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