How to Curb Feather Plucking in Parrots

Parrots pluck their feathers for a variety of reasons from medical to psychological. It can be devastating for both you and your bird when it starts plucking out its beautiful feathers and ends up looking miserable and ragged. Feather plucking should be addressed immediately to stop any further ingraining of the habit. Read on to learn how to curb feather plucking in parrots.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take your parrot to the vet. It's important to eliminate any medical reasons for the plucking, like mites. If the vet gives your bird a clean bill of health, you can start eliminating other reasons for the plucking.

    • 2

      Evaluate the birdcage and location. The bird cage is your bird's home and it's important to him. Make sure the cage is big enough to allow for some exercise and extension of your bird's wings. Keep the cage clean and in view of interesting things for your bird to watch. Make sure he gets out to stand on a perch outside of the cage at least once per day.

    • 3

      Keep the cage high. Birds are used to being in trees and like looking down on their surroundings. Keep the cage at eye-level or above. Make sure the parrot gets 12 hours of daylight, every day. Don't put the cage in direct sunlight or in a shadowy corner. Avoid drafts or too warm areas. Think about where you would be comfortable all day.

    • 4

      Spend time with your parrot. Parrots may get nervous if they don't feel close to you. Spend extra time with your parrot, offering him treats and bits of fruit to gain his trust. Once he accepts you and the other members of the family, spend time with him often.

    • 5

      Entertain your parrot. Parrots love toys and distractions. Make sure your parrot has access to lots of toy and things to do all day. Give it mirrors, rawhides, and dangling toys to play with. Parrots like to climb too, so make sure your parrot has some exercise things in the cage.

    • 6

      Mix up your parrot's diet. Eating seeds all day every day can get kind of boring. Make sure that your parrot gets a variety of fruit and vegetables as well as a special calcium supplement every day.