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My African Grey is plucking feathers and shaking head. What to do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male

My african grey is very restless, plucking his feathers and shaking his head. This is the first time he’s doing this. What will I do? Please help.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on August 19th, 2018

Birds will pluck due to infection (bacterial, fungal, parasites), stress or boredom. If Paco will allow, look him over for redness or scabbing. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Use paper towels or plain paper on the cage bottom and change daily. Provide a variety of toys and puzzle feeders to keep him occupied. Allow playtime and interaction outside of the cage daily. Bathe or mist him with warm water weekly to encourage preening and to promote healthy plumage. If he persists, have him physically examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian veterinarian to diagnose and treat injury or illness.

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