Review
Feather Loss and Feather Destructive Behavior in Pet Birds

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Abstract

Feather loss in psittacine birds is an extremely common and extremely frustrating clinical presentation. Causes include medical and non-medical causes of feather loss both with and without overt feather destructive behavior. Underlying causes are myriad and include inappropriate husbandry and housing; parasitic, viral and bacterial infections; metabolic and allergic diseases; and behavioral disorders. Prior to a diagnosis of a behavioral disorder, medical causes of feather loss must be excluded through a complete medical work-up including a comprehensive history, physical exam, and diagnostic testing as indicated by the history, signalment and clinical signs. This article focuses on some of the more common medical and non-medical causes of feather loss and feather destructive behavior as well as approaches to diagnosis and treatment.

Section snippets

Non-medical Intrinsic Feather Loss

A commonly encountered risk factor for feather loss in the absence of either an underlying medical problem or FDB is an inappropriate environment. A small cage or poor cage layout can damage the primary flight feathers or the rectrices (Fig. 2). The bird may be removing the damaged feathers at an inappropriate rate, but removal of damaged feathers is normal preening behavior. This will rarely affect the secondary or covert feathers.

Toxins, both airborne (e.g., cigarette smoke, scented candles,

Medical Associations

Numerous medical conditions, including some that seem to have an extremely spurious relationship to skin or feather health, have been associated with FDB, though in most cases causality has not been proven. Despite this uncertainty, should the history and/or physical examination fail to provide a diagnosis, a comprehensive medical workup is indicated. Often, the patient's size and/or the financial limitations of the owner prevent the extent of testing that would be ideal; in these circumstances

Mutilation Syndromes

Species-specific “syndromes” of self-trauma that may involve FDB have been reported. Although suspected links to infectious and/or metabolic conditions have been hypothesized, significant behavioral components must be considered. Controlled studies of these “syndromes” are lacking, and further identification of the unique disease entities within this classification awaits further research.

Cockatoos often present for severe self-mutilation involving the feathers, skin, and muscles of the breast

Psychogenic Risk Factors

If an environmental or medical basis for feather loss or FDB cannot be found, behavioral and/or psychological factors must be considered. It is important to remember that behaviorally induced feather destruction is a not a diagnosis, per se, but a reflection of problems within the captive environment. For a list of specific proposed etiologies or contributing factors for behavioral FDB, and resources for client education, see TABLE 1, TABLE 2.

Some veterinarians and behaviorists consider FDB to

Summary

Feather loss is a complicated, multifactorial, and frustrating clinical presentation that should be considered a clinical disease presentation and not a diagnosis. Underlying etiologies and associated risk factors may include medical, environmental, nutritional, and psychological components. A comprehensive history and medical workup are essential when approaching the bird with feather loss. If psychogenic FDB is involved, a variety of enrichment resources are available to create a more

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