How Do You Keep a Cockatoo From Feather Plucking?

How can you keep a Cockatoo from feather plucking? This video provides some key tips for reducing the likelihood of a cockatoo getting involved in feather destructive behavior such as plucking, barbering, chewing, over-preening, etc.

Cockatoos are known to have a higher potential for feather destructive behavior. Providing a large cage with an abundance of perches and toys is a great place to start. Ensure the parrot is busy and occupied with many different things to do throughout the day. Particularly, provide a wide variety of toys that they Cockatoo can chew up, shred, or preen so that the bird is doing the destruction to the toys and not to itself.

Training is a great outlet for energy and gives the parrot a sense of purpose with clear goals. Training gives them a way to earn things and develop trust.

It is very important not to overstimulate Cockatoos. Don't give a Cockatoo too much attention, cuddles, or attention. Excessive stimulation can lead to frustration which can cause the self destructive behaviors. Instead try to have a more balanced relationship where the Cockatoo is content with or without your direct interaction.

Suggested Videos

1:07 Holding Parrot Like a Baby - 11 Year Old Macaw	0:41 Why My New Quaker Won't Take Treats From Me?
0:16 LEGO Parrot and a Real Parrot side by side	0:57 Is it DIFFICULT having such a big parrot? #macaw #bird
0:15 We Have Got a New Parrot In Training!	0:16 Scratching baby parrot cheeks Brown-necked parrot #cute #animals
0:28 Meet Our Baby Parrot - Newest Addition to the Family - Grey Headed Cape Parrot	0:50 Did Kody the Cape Parrot Forget His Training?