How to Prevent Birds From Plucking

Normally when birds groom themselves---a process called preening---they will use their beaks to clean each feather and remove sheaths where new flight and contour feathers emerge. However, when caged, some beautiful birds will be driven to over-preen themselves to the point where they pluck all their feathers from their body with the exception of their head. This tendency to over-pluck can be caused by changes in routine or habitat, stress, or even infections.

Instructions

    • 1

      Take your bird to a veterinarian for a physical examination. The first step to stopping a bird from over-preening is to rule out any medical causes for the condition. Once the veterinarian has ruled out any medical causes, try other methods to stop the bird from plucking.

    • 2

      Move the bird's cage to a location where it will be happier. For example, if the bird is stressed by having people around, move the cage to a less trafficked area in your home.

    • 3

      Spend more time handling your bird, or consider getting a second bird to keep your pet company. Like humans, birds need social interaction and loneliness can cause them to develop feather-plucking habits. A second bird can provide the companionship the solitary bird lacks.

    • 4

      Provide the bird with lots of toys and treats inside the cage to discourage it from trying to pluck its feather. A bird will pluck as a result of boredom, so make sure the bird has lots of activities to keep it occupied.

    • 5

      Spray the bird with a bitter product, specially designed to prevent plucking. This spray can be applied directly to the feathers to discourage the bird from touching the feathers.

    • 6

      Cover the cage at night to ensure the bird is getting enough rest. Sleep deprivation can cause a bird to pluck its feathers. Make sure the cage is in a quiet location at night and that the cage is covered to help the bird sleep better.