How to Train a Bird to Stop Plucking Feathers

A bird will pluck at his feathers for a number of different reasons, but no matter why he may be doing it, it's always a problem. You can train a bird to stop plucking his feathers. All you need is understanding and a little patience.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Toys
• New bird cage
• Large bowl
• Spray bottle
• Aloe vera juice

1. Isolate the cause of the feather plucking. A bird will pluck feathers for a number of reasons, such as stress or separation anxiety, boredom, unclean bathing waters or medical reasons. Until you know why he is doing it, you won't be able to apply the proper cure, and you may need to try a number of remedies before you hit upon the right one.
2. Provide new toys in your bird's cage. She may be plucking feathers because she's bored, and some new goodies in the cage will train her to try something else. Chewable toys, such as popsicle sticks or cardboard toilet-paper rolls, make especially good choices because she can gnaw on them instead of herself.
3. Give the bird a more open cage. The stress of not having enough space (either because of overcrowding or because it is too small for him to feel comfortable) can lead to feather plucking.
4. Clean the bird's bathwater regularly and train her to use it. You can do this simply by placing a large bowl full of clean water at the bottom of the cage, and then spraying her lightly with a spray bottle filled with water. The sprayed water will imitate rain and encourage her to bathe.
5. Mix aloe vera juice (not cream or gel) with water and mist the bird gently once a day. The mixture should be about half aloe vera, half water. It helps reduce dander and will soothe any itchiness beneath the bird's feathers.
6. Purchase an avian collar, which will stop him from plucking his feathers. You will need to get your vet's approval.

Tips & Warnings

• A bird may be plucking at his feathers simply because he is in a new environment or something unknown has been added to his existing one. Be patient if a change has come, and don't try to train him to stop plucking his feathers until he's had a chance to adjust to his new condition.