Post by suzannewright on Jun 15, 2015 20:34:49 GMT -5
Feathers plucking is a relatively common phenomenon in parrots. Parrots may pluck their feathers for a number of different reasons (see below), ranging from malnutrition to disease or illness. Most owners assume the condition is normal, but as their parrot begins to show visible bald spots, they begin to worry of a more serious underlying problem.
If your parrot is plucking its feathers, you might be wondering whether or not they will grow back. After all, parrots look downright pitiful without their brilliant array of colorful plumage. Before we reveal the answer to this question, let's first take a look at why parrots pluck their feathers.
Common Reasons Why Parrots Pluck Their Feathers:
Abuse and/or neglect
Malnutrition (note: parrots should be fed a balanced, nutritious diet consisting primarily of pellets).
Boredom
Lack of exercise
Not given enough "free time" outside of their cage
Major changes to the home, such as introducing a new parrot or pet.
Hormonal changes
Disease
Allergies
Parasitic infection
Yes, a Parrot's Feathers Will Grow Back
In most cases -- assuming the plucking behavior is caught and subsequently stopped early enough -- a parrot's feathers will grow back over time. It's not something that happens in 1-2 days, but over the course of several years a parrot will grow back its feathers.
The only time when a parrot's feathers won't grow back is when it suffers damage to the actual follicle. If they scratched and pecked at their body long enough, a parrot may damage the "roots" from which the feathers grow; thus, preventing its feathers from regrowing. This is why it's important for owners to take immediate action at the first sign of feather-plucking behavior. Waiting and "hoping" your parrot's condition improves could result in permanent damage.
How To Handle a Feather-Plucking Parrot
If you notice your parrot plucking its feathers, schedule an appointment with your avian veterinarian. In most cases, this behavior will pass without causing any severe/permanent damage. However, there's always the possibility of it being the result of a more serious underlying condition that requires proper treatment. A short visit to your local avian veterinarian will give you the peace of mind knowing that your parrot is safe and healthy.
Owners should also inspect their parrot's cage and surrounding habitat for elements that could trigger feather-plucking behavior. Scented candles, bleach, cleaning products, and even air fresheners may all contribute to this condition.
If your parrot is plucking its feathers, you might be wondering whether or not they will grow back. After all, parrots look downright pitiful without their brilliant array of colorful plumage. Before we reveal the answer to this question, let's first take a look at why parrots pluck their feathers.
Common Reasons Why Parrots Pluck Their Feathers:
Abuse and/or neglect
Malnutrition (note: parrots should be fed a balanced, nutritious diet consisting primarily of pellets).
Boredom
Lack of exercise
Not given enough "free time" outside of their cage
Major changes to the home, such as introducing a new parrot or pet.
Hormonal changes
Disease
Allergies
Parasitic infection
Yes, a Parrot's Feathers Will Grow Back
In most cases -- assuming the plucking behavior is caught and subsequently stopped early enough -- a parrot's feathers will grow back over time. It's not something that happens in 1-2 days, but over the course of several years a parrot will grow back its feathers.
The only time when a parrot's feathers won't grow back is when it suffers damage to the actual follicle. If they scratched and pecked at their body long enough, a parrot may damage the "roots" from which the feathers grow; thus, preventing its feathers from regrowing. This is why it's important for owners to take immediate action at the first sign of feather-plucking behavior. Waiting and "hoping" your parrot's condition improves could result in permanent damage.
How To Handle a Feather-Plucking Parrot
If you notice your parrot plucking its feathers, schedule an appointment with your avian veterinarian. In most cases, this behavior will pass without causing any severe/permanent damage. However, there's always the possibility of it being the result of a more serious underlying condition that requires proper treatment. A short visit to your local avian veterinarian will give you the peace of mind knowing that your parrot is safe and healthy.
Owners should also inspect their parrot's cage and surrounding habitat for elements that could trigger feather-plucking behavior. Scented candles, bleach, cleaning products, and even air fresheners may all contribute to this condition.