Feather Plucking and the Eclectus
Boredom, Stress and Separation Anxiety Make for Bald Parrots
Feather plucking is a common occurrence in eclectus parrots, particularly in males. Causes of feather plucking and feather mutilation range from boredom and separation anxiety to parasitic infection, malnutrition, and fatal diseases. Owners of exotic birds and veterinarians alike have to become detectives to determine what, if anything, causes a parrot to pluck itself bald.
The first step with any case of feather plucking or feather mutilation is to get your eclectus to a certified avian veterinarian. Physical causes of feather plucking must be ruled out, especially if you live with multiple birds. If no physical cause for plucking presents itself, congrats—you’ve ruled out a host of parasites and deadly diseases. But now you, as your ekkie’s human, have to figure out what’s bothering him.
The Bored Eclectus
Eclectus parrots are some of the most intelligent parrots, and that’s saying something when you consider the smarts even the humblest budgie can display. Eclectus need constant social interaction with their humans, large cages (and plenty of time outside their cages) and a batch of intellectually stimulating parrot toys that can be rotated regularly to prevent boredom.
Under-stimulate your eclectus and you’ve got a bored parrot. And as anyone who’s ever kept pet parrots knows, a bored parrot is an unhappy parrot, and unhappy parrots find ways to tell their human flock members of their displeasure. Some parrots incessantly scream. Others bite or engage in destructive behavior. And many eclectus display boredom by plucking. If nothing else, pulling your feathers out and watching the humans’ reactions is a way to pass the time.
Stress, Anxiety and Feather Mutilation
Eclectus, like all parrots, like consistency. Sudden changes can cause eclectus stress, whether the change is a new home, moving the cage to a different room, or even adding a new toy. The introduction of a new bird to the house can be very traumatic to an established eclectus.
Holidays such as Christmas are especially stressful for pet parrots, as the holiday often brings a dramatic change in schedule and strange, frightening new things. An eclectus may be frightened by a Christmas tree, with its bright lights and strange smells. Come to that, loud Uncle Jim may also be terrifying, with his booming laugh (and possibly strange smells—who knows?).
Stress is a common cause of feather plucking. Unable to tell you that he’s scared, your feathered buddy lets you know indirectly—by ripping his feathers out. If your pet parrot starts plucking, try to list what changed in his world close to when the plucking started—a good veterinarian will quiz you about environmental changes, so give it some thought as you make the vet appointment.
Separation Anxiety and Feather Mutilation
In the absence of other parrots, an eclectus’ human companions become his or her flock. And as part of the flock, we’re expected to be around all the time. In the wild, a lone eclectus is a vulnerable and frightened bird. Flock equals security in the minds of most parrots.
Unfortunately, human life often takes us away from our feathered companions, either due to work, family, or other circumstances. Parrots with enough stimulating toys, a large cage, and distractions such as a radio can often entertain themselves until the humans fly home to roost. Other parrots develop separation anxiety when alone, and start feather plucking because they are scared and anxious. For some parrots separation anxiety can be alleviated by changing their environment and providing more stimulating surroundings. Others are naturally nervous and can develop separation anxiety in any circumstance.
Feel-Good Feather Mutilation
No matter what the cause, once an eclectus starts feather plucking it can be difficult to get it to stop. Some humans bite their fingernails simply because it’s become a habit, or because it feels good. Eclectus parrots can find the act of feather plucking enjoyable, and unlike humans, they don’t feel the need to break “bad” habits.
Resources
Hines, R. (2006). Feather Plucking in Parrots and How to Manage It.
Johnson, A. (1996). Feather Mutilation.
