How is feather plucking treated in birds?

Treatment of the pet bird of yours that plucks feathers addresses the underlying problems first. A vet check is done, and infectious diseases and hormonal issues are ruled out before going on to treatment. In some birds, where owners have delayed a vet consult, severe follicular damage has occurred. If the treatment had been started earlier, irreversible damage could have been prevented.

Behavioral modification is the underlying premise for treatment. Establish a routine in the feeding and sleeping schedules. Introduce puzzle toys to stimulate and challenge their minds. Suggest the use of quiet areas by caging or covering cages. These changes will effectively eliminate sources of stress. Birds will respond within weeks, provided the environment is stable.

Medical interventions aid behavior modification. Vets may prescribe hormone inhibitors during breeding seasons. Antibiotics will combat skin infections from plucking. Pheromone diffusers relieve anxiety in the birds. My African grey patient needed all three methods of treatment at once. Combination therapy worked best.

To succeed long-term, you should consistently measure your progress. Take pictures monthly to track feather regrowth. Document any observed behavior changes in journals. Schedule a vet follow-up appointment every 3 months at first. Consistency is much more important to the speed of recovery than any other individual step.

Patience is important during treatment. Generally, it takes 6-12 months for feather regrowth. Relapses may occur during times of stress. You can alter them as needed. I encourage owners to focus on the little things that are going well. In time, your pet can return to a fully recovered state with commitment.

Read the full article: Understanding Bird Feather Plucking: Causes and Solutions