Birds biting themselves can be a concerning behavior for any pet owner. While it may look harmless, excessive self-biting or plucking of feathers is often a sign of stress, boredom, or underlying health issues. The good news is there are several ways you can curb this behavior and help your bird find healthier activities.
Why Do Birds Bite Themselves?
Feather biting or plucking, also known as pterotillomania or feather destructive behavior, is quite common in pet birds. It usually starts with the bird nibbling or biting at feathers on its chest or wings. Over time, this can progress to pulling out entire feathers or even mutilating the skin. There are a few key reasons why birds engage in this damaging behavior:
- Stress – Birds may bite feathers due to anxiety, fear, loneliness, or changes in environment.
- Boredom – Inadequate enrichment and lack of foraging/play opportunities can lead to chewing feathers.
- Medical issue – Diseases, infections, parasites, allergies or nutritional deficiencies can cause irritation, itching or discomfort that leads to biting.
- Attention-seeking – Some birds learn that biting gets a reaction from their owners.
- Compulsive disorder – Feather biting can become an obsessive, compulsive behavior over time.
It’s important to identify the underlying cause of your bird’s feather biting so you can address it properly. Work closely with an avian veterinarian to diagnose and rule out any medical factors.
Tips to Stop Feather Biting
If your bird has started nibbling or plucking its feathers excessively, try these methods to curb the behavior:
Remove Environmental Stressors
Stress is a very common reason for feather biting in birds. Try to identify and minimize anything in the environment that may be causing anxiety. This includes:
- Loud noises
- Sudden movements
- Other pets intimidating the bird
- Dirty or cramped housing
- Improper lighting
- Drafts
- Smoky air
- Excessive handling/forced interactions
Make sure your bird’s cage is placed somewhere quiet, stable, and relaxing. Maintain a consistent environment and daily routine as much as possible.
Increase Foraging Opportunities
Birds kept as pets often lack the mental stimulation and foraging opportunities they’d have in the wild. Boredom is a major factor in feather plucking. Make sure your bird has plenty of toys, puzzles, and opportunities to “work” for its food each day. Scatter treats in cardboard tubes or paper, hide pellets under toys, hang leafy greens around the cage, place food under bowls to be overturned, etc. This encourages natural foraging behavior.
Provide Enrichment
In addition to food puzzles, give your bird a variety of enrichment items to keep it engaged, such as:
- Metal bird-safe bells
- Wood or cotton rope toys
- Natural wood branches and logs
- Paper bags or cardboard boxes to shred
- Bird-safe mirrors
- Rotate different toys into the cage frequently to prevent boredom.
Make sure the cage has multiple appropriate perches and swings. Give your bird daily play time out of the cage as well.
Increase Lighting
Some birds will bite feathers if they are not getting enough daylight. Make sure your bird gets 10-12 hours of bright light per day. Place the cage near (but not directly against) a window or use full spectrum lighting.
Try an Elizabethan Collar
If your bird is fixated on a certain spot they keep biting, an e-collar may help break the habit. Place an Elizabethan collar on your bird to prevent it from accessing problem areas while feathers grow back. Only leave the collar on during supervised daytime hours.
Consult an Avian Vet
Schedule an exam with a veterinarian who specializes in birds. They can check for any medical issues and advise on behavioral interventions. Medical causes like infections, mites, and allergies can lead to biting. Your vet may prescribe supplements or medications if needed.
Discourage Feather Biting
When you notice your bird nibbling feathers, gently interrupt the behavior with a soft “no” or whistle. Provide a toy it can bite instead. Be consistent and don’t yell or overreact, as this can further stress your bird. Praise and reward with treats when it engages in other activities.
Increase Social Interaction
Loneliness and isolation can cause feather biting in social bird species like cockatoos, parrots and budgies. Spend quality daily one-on-one time with your bird. Let it sit with you while you work or watch TV. Chat, whistle and mimic your bird’s noises. Pet it gently on the head – not on the back or belly. Introduce a second bird if possible so they can keep each other company.
When to See the Vet
Consult your avian veterinarian right away if:
- Your bird rapidly loses many feathers
- Plucking causes skin damage or bleeding
- Feather loss is accompanied by swelling or lesions
- Your bird seems ill – fluffed up, less active, poor appetite
- Feather biting comes on suddenly or seems compulsive
Severe feather biting can be damaging to your bird’s health. The sooner you can identify the cause and intervene, the better.
Prevention
Here are some key tips for preventing feather biting issues:
- Choose bird species appropriate for your lifestyle and experience level.
- Select a well-socialized, healthy bird from a reputable source.
- Provide a roomy, enriching cage and accessories.
- Feed a balanced diet with fruits, veggies, whole grains.
- Schedule annual well bird checkups.
- Clean the cage, perches, and dishes regularly.
- Spend quality interaction time with your bird daily.
- Keep predator pets like cats away from your bird.
- Maintain stable temperature and humidity in your home.
- Make gradual changes and stick to a routine when possible.
Conclusion
Feather plucking is a common problem in pet birds, but often treatable with some adjustments. Identifying and minimizing stress, increasing enrichment, and meeting your bird’s social needs can help curb damaging biting behavior. Work with an avian vet to resolve any medical factors. With patience and consistent positive reinforcement, your bird can kick its plucking habit and engage in healthier activities.