Loss of Feathers in African Greys

African grey parrots loose some feathers all year long.

African grey parrots (Psittacus erithacus) will eventually lose their feathers during molting. But a parrot with constant bald spots or a parrot that pulls out its own feathers every day could be sick or is suffering from a behavior problem.

Minor Cause

African grey parrots continually molt, according to the Association of Avian Veterinarians Annual Conference. But they should not have large patches of completely bald skin. This is a sign of feather plucking.

Major Causes

African grey parrots can pull their own feathers out when stressed, bored, sick, exposed to lead or zinc poisoning, or have minor injuries. Check for other signs of illness such as a peeling beak, blood on the feathers or sudden grogginess.

Expert Advice

African greys can bite when they are molting, according to "African Grey Parrots: A Complete Owner's Manual." They will not want to be touched at this time, especially when their pin feathers are growing back in. Keeping the skin moist with a mist spray bath can help ease itching.

References

• "Winged Wisdom Pet Bird Magazine"; "African Grey Myths: Greys are Fether Pluckers"; Bobbi Brinker; Aug. 1998
• Association of Avian Veterinarians Annual Conference 1998: The Normal Molting Process in Birds
• "African Grey Parrots: A Complete Pet Owner's Manual"; Maggie Wright, et al; 2001
• Avian & Exotic Animal Hosptial: Common Avian Emergencies

Resources

• Pet Education: African Grey Parrot Species Profile
• Bird Channel: African Grey Feather Plucking
• Bird Channel: Signs of Zinc and Lead Poisoning in Parrots