Causes of Feather Loss

from Standale Veterinary Hospital

MOLT - Once yearly, usually just prior to the breeding season, birds go through a full molt, including wing and tail feathers. Also, once yearly they go through a partial molt. By having two molting periods, they do not have to lose so many feathers at one time which could render them unable to fly. If many feathers are missing, and bare patches of skin are seen, this is abnormal and the bird should visit their avian veterinarian.

VIRAL DISEASE - Polyomavirus (which we have a vaccine for) and psittacine beak and feather disease are two diseases that are very serious and both can cause feather loss. There are blood tests to help us diagnose these viruses.

Parasites - Knemidokoptes  (scaly-face, scaly-leg) is a skin parasite that most commonly seen in budgerigars and canaries. Thickening of the tissues of the cere and or/legs is the first apparent sign. A microscopic exam is required for diagnosis. Prescription medication through your veterinarian works more rapidly and effectively than over-the counter version. Red mites, feather mites, or lice are uncommon skin parasites that may cause some irratation. In general, feather problems are rarely caused by parasites. Giardia  is an unusual parasite that can be diagnosed on microcopic exam that can be diagnosed in fresh feces. This parasite may cause self-mutilation in birds.

BACTERIAL/FUNGAL - Staphylocococcus or Pseudomonas are types of bacteria that are diagnosed by doing a culture of the skin. They may also cause skin irritation that leads to skin irritation.  Aspergillous or Candidiasis are types of fungus that also cause skin irritation. These are diagnosed by skin culture and skin scrapings.

NUTRITIONAL - Vitamin A deficiency is one of the most common causes of skin/feather disorders. I recommend a high quality pelleted diet to prevent this condition. Harrison's Bird Diet is the best on the market in my opinion. We carry it here at Standale Veterinary Hospital.

BEHAVIORAL - Birds in the wild have either a mate or flock to keep them company all the time. In captivity, humans rarely fill the void. Dominance factors, boredom, breeding frustration, mate-bonding, territoriality, and nesting drives, all triggered by hormonal development, are rarely satisfied in a captive environment. Other pets in the household can be a threat to the bird and add to these stresses as well.
All of these factors can lead to "frustration grooming", which can become obsessive and lead into self-mutilation.

ATTACK BY CAGEMATES - If this is suspected, separate the birds for a minimum of six weeksto see if the feathers begin to grow back. If only part of the feather was pulled out, the feather may not be replaced until the next molting period.

OTHER CAUSES - Cage trauma, bug bites or stings, topical medications, or improper wing trims are all external causes. Outside factors such as chronic exposure to inhaled irritants can cause feather loss. Chronic diseases of the liver, kidney, GI or respiratory systems, as well as feather cysts, tumors and injury can lead to stress related feather disorders.