I apologize-- this is so disorganized and filled with one million questions!! I typed it as I thought of things, so it is all over the place:
My bird (U2) came to me with a feather barbering issue and it isn't completely gone, but it has improved SLOWLY (with lots of anxiety and experimentation for me along the way).
When does he do it most often? Do you notice any patterns?
Do you have any boxes, huts, tents, low ledges or shadowy spaces in or around the cage? If so, remove them---same with blankets, pillows, bedding, piles of paper or clothing etc. Sometimes sexually frustrated birds will pluck, so you want to minimize all hormonal triggers. When you pet him, you should only ever pet on the head and neck---other areas=sexual.
It is probably a hard transition for him because any change generally causes stress...Did he have the habit before you brought him home and if so, for how long? It can become almost like an addiction for them.
Have you noticed it getting and better or worse since he moved in with you?
What does he eat daily?
Have you had blood work done? I know there are no specialists nearby, but this is something that might be worth a trip.
At the very least, a CBC and vitamin panel should be conducted. Internal pain, and some vitamin deficiencies or over-doses can trigger plucking--especially because they can cause skin to itch. You do not want to mess with supplements without veterinary support because it is easy to overdo it and hurt their organs. Similarly, too few vitamins can have similarly detrimental impacts on their quality of life.
Are you certain that he is plucking? If he just chews them off, that is barbering and that is less severe (although it can lead to plucking). If you never have actively seen him do either, then they could be falling out...But, based on the situation, I would say plucking/barbering sounds more likely.
Make sure you are using 0 scented or chemical products in your home. Cleaning products (non natural), oil burners, smoke of any kind, vaping, potpourri, carpet spray, insect repellent, candles of any sort, fabreeze, perfume, lotions, deodorants, many essential oils, hair-sprays, Teflon/PTFE/PFOA (deadly) etc can all cause respiratory problems and skin irritation.
If you vape or smoke, make sure that you do it outside and when you come in, you need to wash your hands VERY thoroughly, as the nicotine can get on their feathers and cause issues. Chemicals on your skin can be absorbed by the bird's feet or cling to feathers.
Have you checked the humidity in your home?
It varies by species, but generally, you want it as high as you can get it without providing an environment for mold growth.
Is is getting 12 hours of uninterrupted, dark sleep nightly and is he on a consistent bedtime / wake-up routine and do you cover the cage at night?
How much sunlight does he get daily? Too much can cause hormonal issues, and too little can cause issues as well.
Does he play with toys?
How much time does he get out of the cage each day?
Do you ever bathe him and if so, how? How frequently does he bathe (if ever)?
If you run blood-work, eliminate all hormonal triggers, give him at least 3-4 hours out of his cage daily, ensure 12 hours of sleep, and pay close attention to the chemicals in your home --BUT the behavior continues, you could ask the vet about putting him on a low-dose of something like doxypin (to help with OCD/anxiety)--I HAVE NO IDEA if lorikeets can take that specific drug- it was just an example of an OCD/anxiety drug that some birds do take. Make sure you are speaking to an avian vet if you take this route, and do not do so until you have tried everything else (for a few weeks etc).
