Feather-picking in pet birds is often a complex problem that includes behavioral, nutritional, environmental, and medical aspects.  It is often difficult to definitively diagnose which factors are responsible for the feather problems in a particular bird, so treatment often is directed toward diagnosing and treating as many of the potential factors as possible.

BEHAVIORAL:  Birds may neurotically over-groom themselves when bored (especially the solitary bird in a small cage) or stressed (especially the newly-imported bird).  Sexual frustration may also cause feather-picking during the usual breeding season. 

General recommendations: A spacious cage with a few carefully selected toys will help.  Do not crowd the inside of the cage with a clutter of playthings; it is better to rotate a few toys at a time to maintain the bird's interest.  Providing fresh branches with leaves and twigs from a non-toxic type of tree (alder is recommended) will provide an outlet for destructive chewing energy.  If the bird is nervous, it is helpful to minimize the human traffic near the cage.  Providing a barrier within the cage that the bird can hide behind for security is also beneficial.  A favorite distraction is a handful of colored strips of paper (1/2" x 6" pieces of construction paper) placed tantalizingly close to the cage.  If the bird can reach one or two of the pieces of paper he will enjoy shredding them, and then he will spend a lot of time trying to figure ways to reach those strips that are just out of his reach.

NUTRITIONAL:  Deficiencies of protein and vitamin A are the most common causes of feather problems, especially in birds receiving a diet of predominantly seeds.  Most birds should receive no more than 1/3 of their diet of seeds, the remainder including: fresh greens (no celery or light green lettuce), peas, beans, carrots, broccoli, canned or dry dog foods, and various fruits.  Including one of the complete pelleted bird diets can help make sure that the bird's nutritional needs are met.

ENVIRONMENT:  Varying the periods of light (either lengthening or shortening) to which the bird is exposed will sometimes help. Providing extra humidity and moisture in the form of a fine mist sprayed ABOVE the cage (allowing it to settle over the bird as a fine drizzle) may be done 3 to 5 times a day.  Providing a focus for the bird's attention (TV or radio left on) may help when the owner is absent.

MEDICAL FACTORS:  Feather picking is commonly a sign of skin infection (folliculitis) or internal disease (liver disease, giardiasis, cockatoo feather and beak syndrome).  Appropriate testing and/or treatment is often necessary to control these factors.