Feather loss occurs either because the bird is truly losing feathers or because the bird, or its cage-mate, is picking out its feathers. If the owner can tell which is occurring, it often helps narrow down the possibilities of what is causing the problem. (1st q)
That depends upon the cause of the disorder. Psittacine beak and feather disease is a fatal condition caused by a virus that suppresses the immune system and that cannot be treated. It does not cause feather-picking, but rather it causes feathers to fall out.
Other skin and feather infections caused by bacteria or viruses may respond to antibiotics or antiviral medications, respectively. Parasites associated with feather-picking can be eradicated with antiparasitic drugs. Behaviorally-based feather-picking is difficult to treat, as the cause (stress, overcrowding, sexual frustration, a new person in the house, a new cage, etc.) of the picking may be difficult to pinpoint and change. Treatment of behaviorally-based feather-picking may be attempted with behavior modification and occasionally drug therapy, as a last resort. (2nd q)
Explanation:
this is based on my research and I hope it helps :))
Answers & Comments
Answer:
Feather loss occurs either because the bird is truly losing feathers or because the bird, or its cage-mate, is picking out its feathers. If the owner can tell which is occurring, it often helps narrow down the possibilities of what is causing the problem. (1st q)
That depends upon the cause of the disorder. Psittacine beak and feather disease is a fatal condition caused by a virus that suppresses the immune system and that cannot be treated. It does not cause feather-picking, but rather it causes feathers to fall out.
Other skin and feather infections caused by bacteria or viruses may respond to antibiotics or antiviral medications, respectively. Parasites associated with feather-picking can be eradicated with antiparasitic drugs. Behaviorally-based feather-picking is difficult to treat, as the cause (stress, overcrowding, sexual frustration, a new person in the house, a new cage, etc.) of the picking may be difficult to pinpoint and change. Treatment of behaviorally-based feather-picking may be attempted with behavior modification and occasionally drug therapy, as a last resort. (2nd q)
Explanation:
this is based on my research and I hope it helps :))