I have an African Grey. He plucks his breast feathers out until there is nothing. How can I get him to stop?

According to the current issue of Bird Talk Magazine, there are a lot of potential causes for feather plucking.

It appears that, contrary to popular belief, most feather plucking is NOT behavior related and actually is the result of medical problem.

Vitamin/mineral deficiencies, irritated skin, allergies, indoor pollution, parasites, and skin inflammation can all cause feather plucking.

I don't know if the vet you took your bird to is an avian certified vet, but I'd get a second opinion before assuming this is just habit. Birds are not like mammals in so many ways that unless a vet treats them nearly exclusively, he may miss problems like these.

The problem with feather plucking is that, over time, even if the original problem is resolved, it can become an ingrained habit. And, once feather follicles have become damaged, the feathers will not ever regrow.

If your vet says that there are no known physical causes of the plucking, you can try keeping the parrot's beak occupied with other things, like preening toys especially made for feather plucking birds. Bitter apple spray is not effective in stopping either health-related or behavioral plucking, by the way.

One thing NOT to do is to fuss at him for plucking - it will only draw attention to the problem and give him a reward for doing it - your presence!

Good luck with this.. it's a difficult problem!

I believe your bird is both bored and angry and has developed a nervous disorder. It is likely to be very hard to break him of this habit. Ask your vet for a type of vitamin to help promote new feather growth. Meanwhile try leaving the tv or radio on for him. there are also sprays sold at most local pet stores that are designed for feather plucking. African greys need to feel secure in their enviroment, make sure his home is in an area that is not out in the open.If possible try putting him in a corner when you are not with him, but make sure he gets enough sunlight. good luck!

your bird is most likly bored if you get him some new toys and take him out of the cage more this should correct this behaver also you can turn the tv or radio on or get him a buddy if you think he would like that

Your bird is bored. New toys help, but also, make sure his cage is big enough. If he is cramped, he might not like playing. And let him out of the cage as often as you can.

Try leaving the tv or radio on for him while you aren't there. He's probably bored and/or mad at you for leaving him and being self destructive because of it.

sorry to say it but many times this can not be corrected.