Why Do Birds Peck Their Own Feathers?

Birds pecking at their own feathers can be due to several reasons, including molting, nutritional deficiencies, or parasitic infestations. Owners need to assess the situation to pinpoint the cause.

Molting Period

When a bird's feathers age and they enter the molting period, it's normal for them to peck at their feathers. This is a natural physiological process. Usually, the primary flight feathers begin molting in the spring, with the general molting period occurring from July to September. To facilitate successful molting, birds will peck off their old, aging feathers, which helps to improve the quality of new feathers. During the onset of molting, birds should bathe regularly, reduce their activity levels, and decrease their fat intake by consuming more clear feed. Overweight birds tend to molt slowly. In the middle of the molting period, increase the proportions of protein, fat, minerals, and vitamins in their diet.

Nutritional Deficiencies

Long-term nutritional deficiencies can lead to feather pecking in birds. A lack of sulfur and sulfur-containing amino acids, which are essential for keratin synthesis (a key component of feathers), can cause slow feather growth or extensive feather loss. This can trigger feather pecking. Zinc deficiency can also cause feather-pecking. At this stage, you can supplement the bird's diet with substances such as cystine and methionine, or add a suitable amount of powdered gypsum to the feed. Ensure a balanced diet to fulfill the bird’s needs for protein, sulfur, zinc, biotin, and other essential nutrients.

Parasitic Infestations

Parasitic infestations can cause skin irritation and itching in birds, making their feathers brittle and prone to falling out. This can lead the bird to peck at its feathers, and in severe cases, even draw blood. Common parasitic infestations include mite infestations and feather lice. Mites burrow into the bird’s skin and can be treated with ivermectin. Feather lice feed on feathers, feather dust, and skin flakes, and can be treated with sulfur or sodium fluoride baths. Birds are prone to parasitic infestations, so regular deworming and good environmental hygiene are essential.Source:5D Pet World