Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 7/10/2006

Question
Hi Chrys,

I have noticed during the past few weeks my lovebird has been losing feather just below the neck area and if it grows she plucks.

She seems alittle bit more aggressive too, seems like its egg laying season and she is trying to build a nest but everytime I see that behaviour I move her toys and the cage around.  But the pucking doesn't stop.

The last thing I want to do is take her to the vet and have them give her the hormone injection, we did that before seems to calm her down but I want to see if there is another solution.    its getting to a point that I may just get her a companion.  

Answer
Hi, Tony.  Thanks for posting.

Your lovebird could be frustrated/stressed by you moving her toys and cage around and is plucking as a result.  Parrots like routine and things in place and when their routine is disrupted and/or cage items changed, they can become stressed out.  I have birds who won't eat if I place their food dish in a different location within their cage!  

Plucking is normally the result of a psychological problem, as long as there are no medical reasons for the plucking.  This could be boredom, a new addition/loss to the household, a change in something in the room her cage is in, changes to her cage or items in the cage, changes in household routine, lack of bathing, etc.  To fix the plucking problem, you have to uncover the psychological reason for the plucking.  Yes, it is breeding season and perhaps her hormones are running rampant, not having a mate, etc., is causing her to pluck herself.  However, if your lovebird is tame and you want her to remain that way, DO NOT purchase another bird.  Birds prefer other birds to humans and any tameness will most likely be lost if you get her a companion.  Also, a male companion will result in the laying of eggs and a whole set of new problems.  Single females can lay infertile eggs, so this is a possibility for your lovebird.

Make sure your lovebird bathes regularly (or you may have to mist her), change her toys out every so often (keep a couple different sets of toys handy and change them out every month or so), ensure your bird has proper lighting (she needs full spectrum lighting), etc...the point being to avoid boredom with plenty of mental stimulation to keep her from resorting to plucking herself.

Chrys