Many medical problems contribute to feather picking. Malnourishment, such as deficiencies in protein, essential fatty acids, or vitamins and minerals, can lead to unhealthy skin and feathers, which can lead to picking. Exposure to toxins or allergens – airborne, ingested, or by direct contact, are also suspect. These include cigarette smoke, dander from other birds in your home, foods, and even certain metals. Some bird toy chains, locks, and even cages (or the paint used on them) can contain zinc or lead. Ingestion of these metals can result in toxicities leading to picking.
Diseases of the internal organs, such as kidney disease, Chlamydiosis, and fatty liver disease, can also contribute to feather picking. So can intestinal parasites, such as roundworms. Skin parasites or bacterial or fungal infections of the skin may result in picking. Thyroid disorders may play a role. Some birds pick as part of reproductive behavior or if they have pain. If your bird is a serious feather picker, it may not be easy to put a finger on the cause. You will need your avian veterinarian to perform a thorough exam and testing, which may include blood count, thyroid screening, fecal exam, cytology, and more.
When medical conditions are ruled out, we next look to psychological or environmental causes of feather picking. Birds, like many other pets, can experience separation anxiety. When this is the case, a bird will often pick only when the owner is not present, and it may take the owner a while to figure out his bird has a problem.
Feather picking can also be an attention-seeking behavior, particularly in homes where the owner makes little time to meet the emotional/social needs of the bird or seldom rewards the bird. Poor environment causes picking, too, and includes situations where the bird is confined in a cage that is too small, where the bird has a lack of toys or means to forage, or even a sleep environment that is too noisy or bright.
Birds also can resort to feather picking when they experience fear or major household changes. Examples are introduction of a new bird, owners' divorce, a new home, teasing, or a hostile family member. When picking is witnessed at an early age, poor early socialization may be the cause. Even low humidity in the home can contribute.
Birds are very complex and fragile creatures. As owners, it is our job to become aware of factors that cause picking and to carefully observe our bird so that we can work with our veterinarian to implement the proper course of treatment. A healthy, happy bird requires much from the owner, especially help overcoming this damaging behavior. And, like many habitual behaviors, change will not occur overnight. Treatment can take weeks, and may even require prescription medication along with social, environmental, and behavioral adjustments.