Many birds start to pluck out their feathers because of boredom, poor diet, stress, iodine deficiency that is then found within the quills of the feathers, etc...

Having said, that I counter plucking by using a product, known as "Better Bitters", Wheat Germ, and new toys to counter the boredom along with a sleight change in diet treats.

Do any of you have any hints or suggestions that worked well for you?

Please note. I own two sulphur crested cockatoos, A Nanday and a gorgeous Sun Conure.

I had some doves that were pucking badly, so I removed the pair and seperated them. This stoped the plucking, and now when they are together its in a 'neutral' territory for a limited time and I haven't had any more problems.

Not sure if this helps or if its possible in your circumstances, but it helped me.

MM

Remove any stressors or any sudden changes that have occurred. I was fortunate with my African Grey I had, they are notorius and he never did even when he went to live elsewheres.

I have had some success with pluckers by making sure the room has the proper humidity. Try a Lite spray of water once a day.

Good luck
Hugs and Hissessss,
Maria

I have 6 parrots (B&G macaw, GW Macaw, Hyacinth Macaw, SC Cockatoo, Moluccan Cockatoo and an African Grey). The only feather chewer is Trix, my moluccan cockatoo aged 6 years old. He chews his primary flight feathers and his tail. I tried all the remedies like bathing him everyday, Listerine spray, bitter apple spray, different foods, vitamins, toys, wood to chew, constant attention but until today he still chews his feathers. I also don't allow him to join the other parrots because he also chews their feathers. You should have seen my sulfur crested cockatoo, he did a terrible haircut on it. All the crests were gone!

Thanks Mr. Muggle, Candini, Maria, and Lou. I had forgotten to mention that if you don't have the humidity at the proper levels this too can stress the bird and start the plucking. Thanks for the reminder Maria.

I do know that I felt quite guilty when this first started. I felt so helpless and uninformed of proper bird care. My vet told me not to be so hard on myself.

I also know that there a a number of other individuals here who work with birds. Please be so kind as to step out of the closet and share your remedies for the good of all of our wonderful feathered freinds!

You're welcome!

Maria

What's the difference between feather plucking, and just general grooming or preening? I have an African Grey that to me appears to be just preening himself. He has no bald spots or bare patches and I don't have a lot of feathers on the bottom of the cage.

There's an article on plucking in the February 2005 Bird Talk (just came out this week). It's a pretty frustrating problem. We have a Peach-Faced Lovebird who is a plucker. He's gotten a little better but still has bare spots on the top of his chest, shoulders and the top of his back. This is the bird that has night guard duty. The rest of the flock (Masked Lovebird, Senegal Parrot and a budgie) is all fine.

Yours,

Paul