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Tips to Reduce
Feather Destructive
Behaviors
Companion Bird Care
S E R I E S
Support for Feather Destructive Behaviors in Companion Birds
FEATHER DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR WHAT TO DO UNTIL A DIAGNOSIS IS Topical Relief
IN PET BIRDS IS A COMPLEX ISSUE MADE BY AN AVIAN VETERINARIAN • Apply HEALx/AVIx Soother® Spray* or HEALx/
There are many reasons that may induce the bird Treatments for feather destructive behaviors vary AVIx Soother® Plus cream* (depending on
to destroy its own feathers (as opposed to feather considerably but should be based on the individual severity) topically to affected areas. Soother®
loss from other causes). assessment with an attempt to address the Plus contains the addition of an antimicrobial
underlying factors as well as the psychogenic for a nontoxic alternative to antibiotics for
Causes May Include: manifestations.1 management of skin disorders. Several treat-
• General malnutrition ments per day may be required to manage
• Deficiency of omega-3 fatty acid Suggested Diet Changes condition.
• Pain • Provide a balanced formulated diet (organic • Provide an occasional opportunity for bath,
• Osteoporosis is preferred). Go to www.harrisonsbirdfoods.com/ shower, or misting (at least weekly) with
• Atherosclerosis ourfoods for tips on conversion to a HEALx/AVIx Rain®* or water.
• Endocrine disorders formulated diet.
• Parasites • Consider offering a low-antigen Environmental Enrichment
• Hepatopathy (liver disease) formula without corn and sunflower • Encourage pet birds to be more involved in
• Granulomas seed ingredients, such as Harrison’s all family activities.
• Ectopic eggs Adult Lifetime™ Mash. • Provide opportunities for your bird to exercise,
• Egg-related peritonitis • Administer HEALx/AVIx Booster®* dietary supple- such as flying in a protected location.
• Boredom and other behavioral problems ment. (Natural remedies often take longer than • Provide a foraging tree/stand and foraging
• Excess salt in diet (e.g., cockatoos) drugs before results are realized. Give recom- toys (where food is not so easily available)
• Genetic mended dose daily for 3-4 weeks before evaluat- to reduce boredom. For more information
• Lack of social interaction ing results.) about foraging go to www.exoticdvm.com/dvd.
• Nesting frustration • Avoid feeding products with high sodium content • Offer your bird opportunities for protected out-
• Excessive hormones (3 mg or more per serving). door exposure to sunlight (not through glass)
• Improper wing clips • Avoid or reduce food items that are high in carbo- for a natural source of vitamin D.
• Cage mate aggression hydrates and sugar to reduce the bird’s nesting
• Uropygial gland impaction frustration.
• Aspergillosis in feather follicles • Offer your bird 1 organic whole flax seed per *HEALx/AVIx products are available through your avian veterinarian
or Harrisons' Pet Products, www.HarrisonsPetProducts.com.
• Giardiasis 30 g body weight per day.
• Thyroid disorders References and Further Reading
• Pancreatitis Avoid Nesting Behavior 1. Ness R: Integrative therapies. In Harrison GJ, Lightfoot TL (eds):
• Malabsorption • Avoid doing anything that could stimulate nesting Clinical Avian Medicine. Spix Pub, 2006, p 357.
2. Harrison GJ, Lightfoot TL (eds): Clinical Avian Medicine. Spix
• Mycotoxins behavior in your bird, such as cuddling or stroking Pub, 2006.
the feathers. 3. Ritchie BW, Harrison GJ, Harrison LR (eds): Avian Medicine:
• Food allergies (e.g., peanuts, sunflower seeds) Principles and Application. Wingers Pub, 1994.
• Prevent your bird from bonding with a favorite toy
• Dander from other birds
or mirror.
• Fear/panic following traumatic episode
• Avoid dark hiding places in the enclosure that
could simulate a nest.
Products created with your
bird’s health in mind
Available through your avian veterinarian or
HARRISONS’ PET PRODUCTS
Tel: 800-946-4782 or 561-641-6745
Web: www.HarrisonsPetProducts.com
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