Instructions
Talk to your veterinarian. Your vet will examine your bird to make sure that the plucking is not related to an allergy or mite problem. If this is the case, he will be able to prescribe the best course of action to take or medication to solve the problem.
If your parrot's issue is not medically related, understand that it may stem from boredom or nervousness. Make sure that there are ample objects for your parrot to play with and that she has a secure environment away from other pets and children that may give her insecure feelings. Most parrots love mirrors and take comfort in their pseudo friend. Also having lots of chew toys to destroy instead of feathers is important.
When mirrors and chew toys are not keeping your parrot from plucking her feathers, you must train the bird to know that it wrong to pluck. Observe her and determine the difference between preening and plucking and startle her when she does pluck. Give her something else to distract her and praise her for the appropriate action.
When all other avenues fail, use bitter apple found at your local pet store. Take the bitter apple and place it on the areas that your parrot has plucked the most. The bird will not like the taste of the bitters and should refrain from plucking that area. In some cases, it is good to start with one area like the chest. This allows for a slower training area but may help change the behavior of the bird without the need for extended use of bitter apple.
In the end, plucking will not harm your bird. It is not pretty and won't create a problem for the domesticated bird. In the wild, a bird's feathers help attract a mate. This obviously won't affect your pet.
How to Prevent a Parrot From Plucking
You have bought a beautiful and expensive parrot only to find out that she has a bad habit that you didn't realize--she plucks every feather she can get to. Many believe this has to do with nervousness or perhaps an environmental condition, such as mites or allergies. Trying to prevent balding in your bird can be frustrating. Here are some helpful tips.