Write down a summary of your bird’s living conditions, such as whether they are solo or have a partner, the size of their cage, the cage’s location, their toys, their diet, and how much time they spend in the light or the dark. Look for an avian vet, as they have specialized skills and equipment for running diagnostic tests and treating parakeets.
Your vet may also recommend blood tests to check your bird’s liver and kidney function, as organ failure and the build-up of toxins can cause discomfort, which the bird will try to relieve by plucking.
Fumes from nonstick pots and pans are toxic to birds, so consider if your bird has been nearby while a nonstick pot or pan was in use.
Try to reserve seeds and nuts for training purposes rather than full meals unless your vet advises otherwise.
If your parakeet’s feather plucking is aggressive, a protective, cone-shaped collar may be an alternative to medication. Your vet can advise on whether this makes sense for your bird.
A routine may be comforting for your parakeet. Set a calendar reminder for yourself so you put your pet to bed at the same time every night.
Never use soaps or a hair dryer on your parakeet. It is not necessary, and you can irritate its delicate skin. It is fine to let your parakeet air-dry. Avoid using cold water to bathe your parakeet, as it may lower your bird’s body temperature too much.
Feather plucking can be hereditary, so it may make sense to get another parakeet of the same sex if you do not wish to breed more parakeets with this issue.
If stress is unavoidable, try to comfort your pet and help it feel relaxed. If you’ve moved to a new house, for example, make sure your parakeet’s favorite perch and treats are available to help it feel at home.
Though it’s not a traditional toy, if you are gone most of the day, your parakeet may enjoy listening to voices on the radio.
Spend time every day talking to, training, or playing with the parakeet in order to give it some social interaction.
