Feather Plucking Part 3: Feather Plucking Observation Guide

Important Note: 

If your parrot has started plucking and you’re reading this to find out what to do, skip this and go to "Part 2: Help! My Parrot is Plucking Its Feathers. What Should I Do?" But before you read it, GRAB YOUR PHONE AND CALL YOUR AVIAN VET! In Part 2, I will discuss more emergency solutions to protect your parrot.

Don't have an Avian Vet? Click here to find one.

This is Part 3 of a 5 part mini-series about feather plucking in parrots. Be sure to subscribe so you won't miss this really important series.
Part 1: Feather Plucking or Molting?

Part 2: Help! My Parrot is Plucking Its Feathers. What Should I Do?

Part 3: Feather Plucking Observation Guide

Part 4: All Your Questions Answered About Feather Plucking

Bonus: How to Make a Fleece Collar AKA "Plucking Poncho"

Feather Plucking Observation Guide

Use this observation guide to identify the characteristics of the plucking. Then properly diagnose and treat your parrot using Feather Plucking part 3. NOTE: first seek the advice of an avian veterinarian.

How long has this been happening?

__ Acute
__ Chronic

What part of the body is being plucked?

__ Wing
__ Shoulder
__ Belly
__ Between legs
__ Back
__ Tail
__ Generalized

What types of feathers are plucked?

__ Down (gray) feathers
__ Colored feathers

How are the feathers plucked?

__ Barbered
__ Chewed off
__ Over preening
__ Plucked deep from base

Is your parrot acting unusual?

__ At the bottom of the cage
__ Shivering
__ Showing flu-like symptoms
__ Irritable
__ Abnormal droppings
__ Change in appetite or water consumption
__ Change in talking, vocals
__ Withdrawn
__ Depressed
__ Extra loud
__ More attention seeking

Surroundings and environment

__ Recent move
__ Change cage location
__ Change in owner or other family members schedule
__ New neighbors
__ New pet
__ New baby
__ Season change (more light through windows, different animals outside, etc)
__ Temperature (inside and outside)
__ Allergies
__ Stress in household
__ Pet death
__ Member of the household moved
__ New toy
__ New item around parrot cage or around the house
__ Music and other noises
__ Smells and fragrances
__ Construction
__ Trains
__ Kids playing outside
__ Other ________________________
__ Other ________________________
__ Other ________________________

Timing

Where was the parrot when the plucking started?


What were you doing?