Diagnostic Approach to Feather Picking - VETARC
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Bird Health / Avian Medicine Library
Valuable Web Resources: Research by Purdue University: Cage Location a Primary Factor in Emotional Feather Plucking ... Feather Plucking / Chewing / Primary Causes & Treatments ... Please also see: Feather Picking by Dr. Jill M. Patt, DVM ... Environmental Changes ... Feather Picking by Dr. Rob Marshall
Workup
- Give the bird a full clinical examination
- Check birds skin for parasites
- Biochemistry looking especially for indications of hepatopathy
- Haematology, serology as appropriate
- Check fecal sample for parasites as appropriate - Giardia is a big cause of picking in cockatiels
- PCR tests for PBFD / Polyomavirus - not actually chewers but can look similar, also PCR faeces for Chlamydiosis
- Feather follicle cytology - should be sterile
- You may want to request that the vet test for heavy-metal toxicities (zink and lead). If your parrot tests positive, have the cage tested. Birds suffering from heavy-metal toxicites have been known to start plucking and//or mutilatiing themselves. Discuss that possibility with your vet.
Biopsy
- infectious causes
- bacterial / fungal dermatitis / folliculitis
- PBFD
- allergy
- endocrine disorders
- neoplasia
Discuss the diet
Correct it as appropriate, seed is completely unbalanced in most
cases. Balance seed with soaked/spouted pulses, introduce fruit
and vegetables - grated is often more palatable and less threatening / abnormal
in appearance. Use supplements, it is impossible to provide the
variety available in nature.
Complete diets are available and may be better than some made diets,
compensation for lack of non-nutritional stimulation of a natural
diet may be necessary.
Treatment will be based on the diagnosis
reached but may include:
- Specific treatment of infections - antiparasiticides, antibiotics, behavioral modification, anxiolytics
- Patience - some birds may take 2 years to molt damaged feathers, few will look better quickly.
- At worst PBFD or Polyomavirus may warrant euthanasia.
- Behavioral modification. Providing positive reinforcement and redirecting your bird's energy towards non-destructive activities.
The following resources will be very helpful:
- Redirecting Negative Behaviors in your Petbird for some excellent tips and tricks
- Bird Proof Your Home to Protect Your Furniture & Keep your Bird Safe
- Foraging: The Way To Keep Your Parrot Mentally Stimulated and Happy
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