African Grey losing feathers when shaking, not plucking. What's wrong?

Question

I have an African Grey who is a rescue approx age 60 years old, she is a plucker. Had her 20 months. She has a handful of Harrison’s high potency course during the day and a small amount of seed through the night. Not both together. Can’t get he4 to eat much in the way of fruit and veg but does like oranges pears apples. When she shakes she is losing her feathers, not from pplucking or moulting this totally different. Feathers all sizes coming out. Please help if possible. Thank you in advance. Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Female | unspayed | 440 lbs

Dr. Strydom, DVM · Accepted Answer

If you are sure she is not actually pulling them out then here are some reasons why the feathers could just be falling out. 1. Dermatitis: skin infections a. bacterial, fungal or viral b. chemical (e.g., nicotine absorbed from the caretaker's fingers) c. allergic (unproven at this time). 2. Folliculitis: inflammation of the feather follicles 3. Malnutrition: nutritional imbalances are a common cause of illness in our pet birds. Seeds should compose less than 20% of the diet. A balanced pelleted diet like the Harrison's you are feeding should be fed as well. Hard boiled egg yolk, pancakes and cornbread, the tops of fresh greens, dairy products such as yogurt and cheese, fresh fruits such as apples, pears, melon, kiwi, and berries, vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, beets, asparagus, cabbage, sweet potato, and squash, and even tiny pieces of meat should be offered. 4. Environmental conditions: extremes of humidity, aerosol contamination and cigarette smoke. 5. Underlying medical problem: liver pathology, osteomyelitis (bone infection), pancreatic disease, renal disease, neoplasia (cancer), underlying abscesses 6. Reproductive activity/inactivity 7. Parasites: mites and lice 8. Stress I strongly recommend you get her to an avian veterinarian for an exam and some testing. At her age I would be worried about an underlying health issue (#5 above). You vet will need a thorough history which should focus heavily on the bird's interaction with its environment and the people and other animals around it. My guess is that some diagnostics will be needed in the form of blood and urine tests and whole body X-rays. Skin biopsy may also be recommended. Be sure to use a vet that is well-versed in treating birds. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

African Grey losing feathers when shaking, not plucking. What's wrong?

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