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i have two parakeets and they are plucking thier feathers how do i make them stop

i have two parakeets and they are plucking thier feathers how do i make them stop

Updated On November 29th, 2017

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 13 days old | 1.2 lbs

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Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

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Hi there and thank you for using Pet Coach to address your concern. Once a parakeet starts feather plucking or automutilation, you need patience and empathy. There are multiple causes of this self destructive behavior. In young parakeets I would ensure you have plenty of enrichment / toys to play and interact with. Make sure you are offering healthy food such as different fruits and vegetables as their taste stimulates the bird's senses and helps to avoid boredom as well. You can also buy toys that encourage foraging / more work to get to the treats. There is millet or oats in the hull or foraging toys. If this does not improve the behavior, I would seek a consultation with an avian veterinarian to discuss testing options to help determine if there is any systemic disease / infection that could be causing this behavior. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

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