Feather picking...not really plucking, but... Help please

VICTORYCC124

Member
May 13, 2014
77
1
Minnesota
Parrots
Blue Headed Pionus 3yo (Jewel), Green Cheek Conure 3yo (Charlie), Congo African Grey 5yo (Baby Girl), White Capped Pionus 1yo (Leo), Blue Fronted Amazon 4yo (Zora)
Since I didn't get a response in the Pionus Forum, I'm posting this here:

Jewel seems to pick thru her feathers quite often. Not really plucking them, but just picking around at them. From her neck to her wings, to her tail area (since she only has one full feather and one new growth feather back there). I have seen 2 feathers in the bottom of cage that look to be chewed off rather than just fallen out. This morning I noticed a feather that looks to be chewed, but it's also one that continues to get stuck out of formation to the others. The girl's feathers are such a mess, I feel terrible for her. Should I be concerned that something is bugging her, so she's picking?? Like bugs or mites? I haven't seen any on her, but I know mites are so tiny. She was just at the vet last Friday, and she didn't say that she had any mites or anything. Or am I just being overly concerned? (Could be, I do that.) She has plenty of toys, and she does like to shred them. Just looking for opinions in case I should take her back to the vet (in which case I may find a new one)... Thanks
 

PaperLantern

New member
Jan 14, 2012
69
1
Northern Maine
Parrots
Chubby - Pineapple GCC // Furbie - Rest In Peace my little baby <3
I would take her to a certified avian vet for a check-up. The picking could be medical (mites, hormonal issues, disease, etc) OR it could be psychological (boredom, anxiety, etc). You can only know for sure by going to a certified avian vet. They might want to do blood work to rule out any possible medical causes. Once the cause is determined you can come up with an action plan :)
 

Kiwibird

Well-known member
Jul 12, 2012
9,539
111
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1 BFA- Kiwi. Hatch circa 98', forever home with us Dec. 08'
I agree that a vet visit is in order. There are several medical reasons a bird can chew feathers and they should be eliminated before looking at a possible behavioral cause. I am also wondering how often your bird is getting bathed? Just like how you feel a little grungy if you haven't showered in a few days, so will your bird.A lot of people don't really think about bathing their birds since they do preen a lot, but they should be getting minimum one bath a week, more if they love it (most parrots do). It encourages healthy preening and keeps them clean.
 

goalerjones

Well-known member
Oct 24, 2011
1,390
30
Parrots
Hahn's macaw, RIP George, Jenday Conure
My Hahns is in a similar situation. I believe it's called "barbaring". My avian vet has been working with me to get her more busy and less bored. Also, he mentioned that she might be "too sheltered" so anything can stress her out. Then, if that fails to help there is the possibility of anti anxiety meds at peak stress times.
 

Scott

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Aug 21, 2010
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San Diego, California USA, Earth, Milky Way Galaxy
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Goffins: Gabby, Abby, Squeaky, Peanut, Popcorn / Citron: Alice / Eclectus: Angel /Timneh Grey: ET / Blue Fronted Amazon: Gonzo /

RIP Gandalf and Big Bird, you are missed.
I have an 18 yr old hand-fed Goffin that does much the same. He's healthy, but a bit more neurotic than his 2 brothers. Seems to "over groom" with some of his feathers having a "Christmas tree" appearance. No plucking, just lots of grooming! Frequent showers from a portable bottle seem to help.
 
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VICTORYCC124

VICTORYCC124

Member
May 13, 2014
77
1
Minnesota
Parrots
Blue Headed Pionus 3yo (Jewel), Green Cheek Conure 3yo (Charlie), Congo African Grey 5yo (Baby Girl), White Capped Pionus 1yo (Leo), Blue Fronted Amazon 4yo (Zora)
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Thanks guys. She gets a bath anywhere from everyday to every 2 days (depending on what's going on around here and her mood). I had to take another (exotic) pet to the vet today so I asked her about it, she said I can run a couple tests if I want to, but it mostly looks/sounds like over-grooming herself. I might run tests just to make me feel better at this point. She's so happy and active though, with plenty of toys and attention. I appreciate your thoughts very much. I like to hear from those with experience rather than jump to my own conclusions all the time. :)
 

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