How to Stop Parrots From Plucking Feathers

Feather plucking in parrots results in mangled and broken feathers. While parrot feathers often look bedraggled once a year as they go through a molt, persistently damaged feathers is a sign that the parrot is hurting itself. If allowed to continue, parrots may permanently damage their feathers, so look into feather plucking as soon as you notice it.

Things You'll Need

  • Toys
  • Spray bottle
  • Listerine
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Instructions

  1. Changing the Environment

    • 1

      Take the parrot to the veterinarian. Sometimes, parrots pluck their feathers because they have a nutritional deficiency. For example if they do not have enough protein in their diet, they may eat their feathers to compensate. A veterinarian can tell you for sure if you need to adjust the parrot's diet.

    • 2

      Spend more time interacting with the parrot. Parrots pluck their feathers when they are lonely or stressed. For example, if their environment has changed or if they have lost someone important to them, they may start plucking their own feathers. More interaction can make them feel more secure and more comfortable.

    • 3

      Place toys in your parrot's cage. Feather plucking may be a sign of boredom. As parrots are intelligent birds, a boring cage may cause them to pluck their feathers out of boredom or frustration.

    • 4

      Turn on the television or radio. If you are unable to be in the room with the parrot for long periods of time, give the bird some kind of outside stimulation.

    Feather Spray

    • 5

      Add one capful of Listerine to a large spray bottle and fill the rest of the bottle with water.

    • 6

      Spray the area the bird has been plucking with the bottle. Do not do this if the bird has plucked itself down to the skin or if it has given itself cuts.

    • 7

      Repeat as necessary. The mixture makes the feathers taste bad, preventing the bird from wanting to put its beak on the feathers.