Why is my macaw plucking

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At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. Bathe, bathe, bathe. If your bird doesn't like to take baths, train it to like it! Real sunshine is super important for proper looking plumage. An outdoor aviary for your bird is necessary even if where you live you can only keep your bird outside 3 months out of the year. Your bird needs it, and not just through a window.

Birds are more likely not to pluck if they have a reason to keep their feathers - for say, flying somewhere? Flight training is an option, always, and creates an amazing bond with your bird.

Your bird may be plucking because it has nothing else to do. Foraging toys check out Captive Foraging the DVD are a great solution to this, as well as training tricks and other things. From putting natural behaviors on cue for fun, training talking, trick training, flight training, socializing and more.

Need more help with your plucking parrot? Check out these related articles Boredom may result from lack of appropriate toys, not enough foraging opportunities, or not enough interaction with other individuals human or avian. Molting, the process when birds shed old feathers to produce new ones, is a naturally occurring event when feathers may look bad.

This process takes place periodically depending on the species. While the details of the urban legend may be exaggerated, it is in fact illegal to collect certain bird feathers thanks to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act of The treaty makes it unlawful to hunt, take, capture, kill, or sell migratory birds. The statute extends to any bird part, including feathers, eggs, and nests.

The direct cause of feather plucking is stress. Behavioral: Boredom, loneliness, or lack of attention often leads to feather plucking. If your bird lives alone in its cage, this could very likely be a cause. Habitat: Where your bird lives could be a cause of his feather plucking. Feather picking or chewing can be caused by a variety of underlying medical and psychological factors.