This brief overview explores the various conditions that can trigger the onset of feather damaging behavior (formerly referred to as plucking) and some suggestions on how to address the issue.

• Veterinarian health assessment, diet evaluation and details of its history (health-lifestyle-behavior-feather condition, etc.) is the primary objective to explore
• Possible compromised feather structure could trigger the damaging behavior
• Preening education and skill level
• Regular weighing: Obesity can trigger feather damaging behavior
• Health of the feet: Sore feet due to arthritis, pododermatitis, etc. may make it difficult to preen efficiently
• Parasites: May cause disease and discomfort, pruritus. Toxins: Water, cage metal, and toy quality should be taken into consideration as these can also lead to feather damaging behaviour
• Genetic predispositions
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Feather hygiene, frequent misting or bathing is imperative
• Environmental factors such as indoor heating (dry skin), cigarette smoke, cooking oils, etc.
• Detailed record keeping may help discover the trigger
• Viral diseases
• Hormones should be monitored and managed
• Is feather damaging behavior self-induced or from another source