Treating Feather Picking:
A Roundtable Discussion

Feather picking is a common complaint among many bird owners. The causes can stem from physical, nutritional, medical, and psychological reasons. Two avian veterinarians, Dr. James K. Morrisey, Diplomate A.B.V.P.-Avian Specialist, and Dr. Amy Beth Worrell, Diplomate A.B.V.P.-Avian Specialist, discuss treating feather picking in birds. This article appeared in Exotic Pet Practice.

Q. What are common causes of feather picking?
Dr. Morrisey: Causes include those of a medical and psychological nature. Medical reasons include viral diseases, nutritional disorders, bacterial or fungal folliculitis or dermatitis, toxicities from zinc or an inhalant, and systemic diseases including hepatic and renal disease. Medical causes of feather picking usually have a greater response to treatment Psychological reasons include boredom and emotional or reproductive stresses. Birds naturally found in flocks need a rigid social structure or they may become stressed. A definitive diagnosis may not become apparent despite the extensive testing that is required to rule out serious medical disorders. Many birds may be helped with treatment, but total resolution of the problem may not occur.
Dr. Worell: Feather picking is caused by stress the bird experiences or perceives. It is more a disease of captive birds and is generally not seen in birds in the wild. Possible stressors include hormonal fluctuations, environmental changes, underlying disease, and lack of intellectual stimulation. The exact cause may not always be determined, and certain species have a higher incidence of feather picking in captivity. These include African grey parrots, umbrella cockatoos, and Eclectus parrots. Although feather picking is most commonly seen in psittacines, it has also been identified in softbills including finches and toucans.

Q. What diagnostic tests should be done?
Dr. Morrisey: I usually perform a CBC, serum biochemical profile, fecal Gram stain, and serology for psittacine beak and feather disease and polyomavirus. If these tests are non-diagnostic, whole body radiographs and a skin biopsy should be performed. A thorough history is important to detect psychological stresses.
Dr. Worell: After a physical examination is performed, a number of tests are needed to rule out underlying medical problems. I recommend a CBC, serum biochemical profile, bile acid assay, protein electrophoresis, the chlamydiosis elementary body agglutination, and a direct fecal examination for parasites. Most feather picking birds do not have identifiable problems on these tests, but occasionally medical problems are discovered.

Q. What conventional therapies are recommended? Please include dosages.
Dr. Morrisey: Medical diseases are treated according to their causes. Psychological causes are treated with behavioral therapy, environmental changes, and psychotropic medications. Behavioral therapy may include establishing a dominance hierarchy and providing positive reinforcement for non-picking behaviors. Environmental changes include moving the cage, separating birds, and adding toys (that can be destroyed). Antihistamines may be beneficial to decrease itching and to cause mild sedation. I reserve the use of psychotropic drugs until after other therapies are initiated unless self-mutilation is occurring. Haloperidol (0.1-0.2 mg/kg P0 ql2hr), amitriptyline (1-2 mg/kg P0 q12-24hr), or fluoxetine (2 mg/kg P0 ql2hr) may be tried with varying success.
Dr. Worell: There are no specific therapeutics. I explain to owners that most birds will look this way or worse the rest of their lives. Good nutrition is emphasized; I recommend any of several of the commercially available pelleted diets. Environmental changes are also discussed. Hormonal therapy (chorionic gonadotrophin [HCG] and Depo-provera [Upjohn, Kalamazoo, MD, including possible side effects, are discussed. Occasionally we can try oral antihistamine therapy (hydroxyzine dosed to effect in the water). Most of my clients elect dietary changes (in those cases where needed) and environmental changes. These include toy rotation, more frequent bathing, and eucalyptus branches for chewing.

Q. What about alternative therapies (acupuncture, etc.)?
Dr. Morrisey: I have used acupuncture in a few cases, resulting in improvement of the condition. I am not familiar with homeopathy. Consultation with a trained avian behaviorist may help.
Dr. Worell: I offer acupuncture to some clients. Response is species-dependent; certain species of birds respond better than others. The willingness of the owner to follow through with a once or twice weekly prolonged commitment also makes a difference. I have only experimented briefly with other alternative therapies involving medications in the water with no appreciable positive effects. Referral to a bird behaviorist has also been unrewarding.

Q. Do you recommend an E-collar for the feather picker?
Dr. Morrisey: No, because these collars add stress to an already stressed bird. If self-mutilation occurs and bandaging is not possible, then I might consider temporary use of an E-collar.
Dr. Worell: I use and recommend Elizabethan collars in those cases where self-mutilation is occurring. Otherwise, the collars serve as an additional source of stress with no cessation of feather picking when the collar is removed.

Q. How do you treat the bird whose owner refuses a medical workup?
Dr. Morrisey: I try to make an educated guess as to the cause of the problem. I may make simple recommendations for environmental and dietary changes. I might try medical therapy if a bacterial or fungal dermatitis is suspected.
Dr. Worell: Some owners do decline diagnostic testing. For these birds, we try a dietary change (most of these birds are eating a totally seed diet) and make environmental changes.