How to Prevent your Pet Parrot from Feather Picking

When a bird develops a feather picking habit, it's hearbreaking for the owner watching his once-beautiful pet mutilating itself. It's a difficult, but not impossible situation to remedy.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• quality time
• spray bottle
• chewable bird toys
• portable travel cage

1. 
   This Goffin's cockatoo would be even cuter if she didn't pluck her feathers.

   Parrots are beguiling, fascinating creatures. Unfortunately, too many people can be charmed enough by their beauty and intelligence into impulsively buying them as pets. Once the novelty wears off and the noise, mess and demands for attention start to grate, the bird may become neglected - or worse, abandoned. The lifespans of most parrots are many times that of cats and dogs - and the plight of unwanted birds is way underreported as compared to that of dogs and cats.
   The "lucky" parrots that are neglected rather than abandoned will often resort to pulling out their own feathers.
   To these highly social birds, in lieu of a wild existence, YOU become their flock - and once you start ignoring them, separation anxiety sets in. Even well meaning owners struggle with giving their bird enough quality time when the demands of work, family, social life etc. are factored in.

2. 
   A fine feathered friend in fine feathered form. Amazon from Parrot Safari in Londonderry, NH.

   If your bird starts to chew and/or remove its own feathers, the first step is to visit your veterinarian to determine if it is a medical problem.
   The strongest likelihood is that the bird is not getting enough attention/stimulation and gets bored. Consequently, it develops the bad habit of featherpicking - like we might chew on our fingernails.
   Your bird should be included in family activities as often as possible. Even if you're sitting at the TV or computer, keep the bird in the same room. It helps if the cage is on wheels so you can move it around with ease, or if you have a portable T-stand.
   Changes of scenery help keep birds stimulated and content. If weather permits, bring your pet parrot outside as often as possible (under close supervision). If the wings are not clipped, make sure the bird is secure in a cage - a portable carry out one. Even if the bird's wings ARE clipped, some experts recommend a tether or other restraining device. Outdoor time becomes the biggest challenge in cold winter climates, like here in New England.
   Even on errands, you can bring the bird and leave it in the car. (Again, you don't want to do this on a cold winter day or in the summer when the car temperature gets too hot).
   If you must leave the bird alone (when going to work, etc.) place it near a window - especially one where it can watch a lot of activity, or better yet; an enclosed porch when the weather is mild to warm.

3. 
   L. to R.: 2 types of bitter spray, water misting bottle, uncut carboard roll and roll cut and fit through cage bars.

   Parrots are not "bird brains". They are highly intelligent and curious. Your bird should be provided with the largest cage possible and plenty of toys to stimulate its interest.
   Chewable toys in particular will help to divert attention away from chewing feathers. Granted, bird toys can be expensive. Certain well stocked bird specialty stores sell units to make your own toys: untreated leather, safe wood, etc.; that will cost considerably less than pre-made toys. Another great option is to take a cardboard tube from a paper towel or toilet paper roll; cut it to a proper size, cut it lengthwise and then thread through the cage bars - parrots love to chew on this!
   Giving your bird a shower (don't set the water on with too much force or too hot or cold) will provide the bird with relief from itching which may lead to picking. A great alternative is a plastic spray bottle set to mist.

Tips & Warnings

• There are special "shampoos" and other products available in bird specialty stores that are promoted as anti-pick, feather growth cures. They are usually quite pricey and I haven't used them personally on my bird, so I can't attest either way as to their effectiveness.
• There's also a certain number of "bitter" sprays designed to discourage your bird from picking. (Or you can make a home brew of equal parts water, witch hazel and Listerine.) I have found these potions to be a temporary, at best solution as the bird seems to eventually get over its aversion to the bad taste.