Ask Lafeber

Question:

February 2, 2021

Amazon feather destructive behavior


My 3 and one half year old blue front Amazon barbers feathers below each wing on body is this hormonal or nervous condition feathers are not on wing


Answer:

Hi Frank,

I know you have had some concerns with this bird, as far as him being fearful. I’m going to pass this along to Chris Davis since she has replied to you on Heart to Heart. Sometimes a bird will do this if he had his wings trimmed and the groomer cut them too short, and cut too many feathers. The cut ends can rub against the body, causing irritation and the bird chews on the feathers in that area. This doesn’t really sound like a medical cause. I usually recommend a full Vet exam to rule out a medical cause, but that is when feather plucking results in large bare areas of skin. It could be hormonal. But something has him nervous, so I am hoping that Chris is able to work with you to figure out what is going on with this guy.

Thank you for asking Lafeber,

Brenda

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