Cockatoos start plucking their feathers when they are stressed. They can pluck almost every feather below their head. Without feathers, they fall prey to skin diseases and infections. Let’s discuss all the ways that avians recommend to stop cockatoos from plucking feathers.
Daily spend some time interacting with your cockatoo, feed it a good diet and try to keep it happy. If it still doesn’t stop, spray its feathers with anti-plucking medicines. In the worst situation, you might have to put a collar on its neck.
Choosing the best way depends on the condition of your cockatoo and the cause of feather plucking. For example, if your cockatoo has recently started plucking and is not addicted, you might be able to help him with just more attention and a good diet. However, if your cockatoo has developed the habit and it is excessively plucking its feathers, it definitely needs a neck collar and anti-plucking spray.
1. Keep It Happy and Busy
It has been observed that cockatoos pluck when they feel alone and bored. They can be stopped from plucking feathers if they are kept busy all day.
Spend time with your cockatoo to help him with loneliness and boredom. If he is tamed, daily take him out of the cage and play with him. Even if he is not tamed, interact with him, call his name, whistle or speak the words he responds to. The goal is to keep his attention on other activities and make him feel loved.
2. Provide Him with Toys
Cockatoos love to play all the time. Their feather plucking habit can be prevented by providing them with toys. If your cockatoo is wild and does not play with you, provide him with toys.
Cockatoos like to chew toys and it is beneficial for them. However, cockatoos can also eat bits of plastic toys which can be harmful; carefully choose toys for your cockatoo. Also, ensure the toys are not designed with stuff that might entangle him.
3. Serve Him Balanced Diet
Cockatoos need a well-balanced diet, enriched with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Proper diet also helps with plucking habits. You can feed him fresh fruits, vegetables, and nuts.
4. Use Anti-plucking Spray
If none of the above methods work, use aloe vera anti-plucking spray. Its taste does not appeal to cockatoos and it moisturized the skin and feathers. (1)
When a cockatoo’s feathers are sprayed with aloe vera anti-plucking spray and he holds a feather in his beak to pluck, the taste of the spray makes him leave the feather. At the same time, the spray also helps the skin heal and grow new feathers. It usually takes a few days for the cockatoo to completely stop plucking feathers but this method works well.
Aloe vera anti-plucking sprays are commonly available at pet stores and they are cheap. But you can also make it at home with four parts distilled water and 1 part aloe vera. Mix it well to form a thin solution. No thickening additives are needed.
According to some people, apple cider sprays also help prevent cockatoos from plucking feathers. The advised proportion is mixing 1 tablespoon of apple cider in 1 gallon (4.5 liters) of water. (2)
5. Use Plastic Collar
If your cockatoo is not sick it might be plucking because of boredom. In such cases, plastic collars are helpful; they obstruct cockatoos from plucking any feathers. Plastic collars can be made at home, they are easy to make.
Even if you use a collar, you still need to keep your cockatoo engaged and happy to completely get rid of the plucking habit. Otherwise, your cockatoo might stop plucking for some days and then start doing it again. Always consult an avian before putting a collar on your cockatoos’ neck.
Consult an Avian if Your Cockatoo Does not Stop Plucking
Some cockatoos pluck their feathers to an extent that their wings start bleeding. If your cockatoo shows signs of aggressive plucking, immediately take it to an avian. This is the only way to help such cockatoos.
Avians diagnose the cockatoo for detailed treatment. In most cases, the avian puts on a collar, prescribe anti-plucking spray, and some medicines. But avians are far more experienced at putting collars, the cockatoos rarely manage to pluck afterward.
Final Thoughts
Cockatoos plucking feathers is a common problem and it is treatable. Consult a vet and follow his instructions. Until then, spend as much time with your bird as possible.
