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If you have a feathered companion, chances are you’ve heard of, or sadly have experience with feather plucking or feather picking. It is important to answer the question “why is my bird plucking his feathers?” in order to help them stop.
Feather plucking behavior is also known as pterotillomania. This is a behavior exhibited only in captive birds. Birds like parrots are very social animals in the wild. Due to this, they require much socializing and entertainment to live a life that meets their needs. Nearly all factors that lead to this behavior are related to the quality of life the parrot is receiving (or has received in the past).
Many people forget that parrots and birds are not domesticated animals. Due to this ignorance, often miss the telltale signs of anxiety and neglect needs. We may cause enough anxiety that they begin to self-mutilate in this way. Underlying medical conditions that affect the skin are another reason birds pluck their feathers. Examples are environmental situations such as allergies, dyes, and preservatives in food, not enough rest, and lack of natural sunlight and enrichment items.
When a bird pulls their feathers, the adrenal glands release adrenaline which eases anxiety. The bird then associates anxiety relief with the feather plucking and begins the vicious cycle of self-mutilation.
Feather plucking is most definitely related to stress. Common stressors are environmental changes are enough to induce stress. Here are some examples:
Some ways to help ease stress for your feathered friend would be to provide a quiet and peaceful space.
Some ways to help ease stress for your feathered friend would be to provide a quiet and peaceful space. Do not ever use a round cage, they require corners to retreat to should they need downtime. Provide some favorite foods and treats and spend quality time with your little one. We also recommend our supplement, NHV Matricalm for birds. It is a vet-formulated blend of herbs to help alleviate overactive nerves and create a sense of calm.
It’s important to note the toll that stress can take on your feathered friend. Stress can cause your bird’s body to flood with adrenaline. If there is too much adrenaline, it causes high blood pressure, obesity, and adrenal gland fatigue. Though unlikely to pass away immediately from said symptoms, they can contribute to premature death.
Molting is our feathered friends’ version of “shedding” like our fur friends! Molting is when your parrot loses its old feathers and grows new ones. A parrot will undergo this process for about 2 months and this will happen about twice per year. They develop “pin feathers” from the skin follicles that will slowly grow into new and beautiful plumage.
Feather plucking is not related to molting at all. It’s a behavioral condition that is not natural for your feathered friend.
Molting can be very uncomfortable however and our Matricalm for Birds is a great remedy to help ease some of the tension around this.
The first steps are to ensure their home is full of direct sunlight and that they’re provided with a lot of enrichment. Toys and other visuals such as a nature show on tv are easy ways to add enrichment. Spending quality one-on-one time is always important to enrich your bond and the happiness of your feathered friend.
There are cute little sweaters and collars available to make it so your feathered friend cannot pluck their feathers. They may not like them at first but they will help give your parrot’s body a rest from plucking and allow for it to heal. Plus, they look really cute. However, be aware that if the conditions causing the plucking are still there when the collar/sweater is removed, the plucking will continue.
We recommend providing supplements such as Matricalm for birds to help ease nerves and anxiety and promote a sense of calm. NHV Multi Essentials for birds is a great way to supplement their diet to fill some nutritional gaps and it encourages healthy organ function. Milk Thistle for birds is a great way to improve liver function which is a very common issue for captive birds. Milk Thistle also helps improve the overall health of your parrot’s plumage.
If you have any questions about our supplements, don’t hesitate to contact one of our pet experts by clicking on the button below!
multivitamin support
Herbal multivitamin, digestive aid and energy booster for birds.
buy 2 and save $3
3 month supply for a small to medium size pet
Hypovitaminosis, or low vitamin levels, can have detrimental effects on birds. Nutritional voids can lead to many health conditions in birds. Multi Essentials for birds are loaded with vitamins and minerals designed to regulate your bird’s body processes, help metabolize nutrients, and improve digestion. Our vitamins can provide support for birds exposed to environmental toxins, promote strong muscle and bone growth, and encourage healthy skin and feathers. Signs your bird may be suffering from a vitamin deficiency include feather plucking, fatigue, and skin problems.
For birds: 1 drop per two pounds twice a day
How to Administer
Shake well before use. The easiest method is to use the dropper provide and place the drops into your bird's favorite treat. You can also use the dropper and squirt directly into the bird’s mouth.
For Best Results
Herbal dietary supplements are beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet and are safe for long-term use. Every pet responds to natural herbal supplements differently, therefore it is important to be consistent and administer the product daily. Supplements generally take two to four weeks to take effect, however this will vary from one animal to the next.
Product Storage
All NHV Natural Pet Products are pure herbal extracts and contain no artificial additives, preservatives or coloring. Shelf life after opening is 6 months and must be refrigerated after opening.
Cautions and Contraindications
Do not use Multi Essentials in pregnant or nursing animals. Speak to your vet before using our products. A second visit is recommended if your pet’s condition does not improve, or deteriorates after continued use of the supplements.
All information provided by NHV Natural Pet Products is for educational purposes only.
Hypovitaminosis, or low vitamin levels, can have detrimental effects on birds. Nutritional voids can lead to many health conditions in birds. Multi Essentials for birds are loaded with vitamins and minerals designed to regulate your bird’s body processes, help metabolize nutrients, and improve digestion. Our vitamins can provide support for birds exposed to environmental toxins, promote strong muscle and bone growth, and encourage healthy skin and feathers. Signs your bird may be suffering from a vitamin deficiency include feather plucking, fatigue, and skin problems.
For birds: 1 drop per two pounds twice a day
How to Administer
Shake well before use. The easiest method is to use the dropper provide and place the drops into your bird's favorite treat. You can also use the dropper and squirt directly into the bird’s mouth.
For Best Results
Herbal dietary supplements are beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet and are safe for long-term use. Every pet responds to natural herbal supplements differently, therefore it is important to be consistent and administer the product daily. Supplements generally take two to four weeks to take effect, however this will vary from one animal to the next.
Product Storage
All NHV Natural Pet Products are pure herbal extracts and contain no artificial additives, preservatives or coloring. Shelf life after opening is 6 months and must be refrigerated after opening.
Cautions and Contraindications
Do not use Multi Essentials in pregnant or nursing animals. Speak to your vet before using our products. A second visit is recommended if your pet’s condition does not improve, or deteriorates after continued use of the supplements.
All information provided by NHV Natural Pet Products is for educational purposes only.
liver support
Liver support for birds
buy 2 and save $3
3 month supply for a small to medium size pet
Milk Thistle contains a compound called silymarin and has been used for thousands of years by humans. Studies on Milk Thistle have shown that the flavonoids in silymarin to contain strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxifying properties it also promotes cellular regeneration and repair. Milk Thistle is also known as wild artichoke and holy thistle, and helps remove toxic chemicals that can accumulate in your pet’s system. It is one of the few herbs with no equivalent in conventional medicine.
Milk Thistle for avian liver disease is naturally formulated to promote proper liver function and re-energize your pet. The silymarin compound detoxifies the liver and helps support, strengthen and regenerate liver function.
Research is showing that Milk Thistle improves kidney function. It is beneficial in supporting a pets kidney that may be damaged due to the use of drugs and radiation therapy, and for kidney damage caused by diabetes or infections.
Milk Thistle is used today as an anticancer support. Studies are showing that Milk thistle extract has an effect against cancer. This could be because Milk Thistle has very good antioxidant properties, which act as free radical scavengers. Research is showing that it may in fact help reduce or slow down the grown of certain cancer cell, and may protect and prevent cells from dividing in your pet's body.
Milk Thistle may used to help support a cat with:
Milk Thistle is a safe herb that is well tolerated by your bird. It is herb that is recommend and used by holistic practitioners
NHV Milk Thistle is glycerin based and safe for long-term use
For birds: 1 drop per two pounds twice a day
How to Administer
Shake well before use. The easiest method is to use the dropper provide and places the drops into your pet’s food or favorite treat. You can also use the dropper and squirt directly into the pet’s mouth.
Some pets can be finicky, if this occurs consider hiding the drops in foods most pet’s love such as mashed banana, strawberry or another favorite treat.
For Best Results
Herbal dietary supplements are beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet and are safe for long-term use. Every pet responds to natural herbal supplements differently, therefore it is important to be consistent and administer the product daily. Supplements generally take two to four weeks to take effect, however this will vary from one animal to the next.
Product Storage
All NHV Natural Pet Products are pure herbal extracts and contain no artificial additives, preservatives or coloring. Shelf life after opening is 6 months and must be refrigerated after opening.
Cautions and Contraindications
Do not use Milk Thistle in pregnant or nursing animals. Speak to your vet before using our products. A second visit is recommended if your pet’s condition does not improve, or deteriorates after continued use of the supplements.
All information provided by NHV Natural Pet Products is for educational purposes only.
Milk Thistle contains a compound called silymarin and has been used for thousands of years by humans. Studies on Milk Thistle have shown that the flavonoids in silymarin to contain strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and detoxifying properties it also promotes cellular regeneration and repair. Milk Thistle is also known as wild artichoke and holy thistle, and helps remove toxic chemicals that can accumulate in your pet’s system. It is one of the few herbs with no equivalent in conventional medicine.
Milk Thistle for avian liver disease is naturally formulated to promote proper liver function and re-energize your pet. The silymarin compound detoxifies the liver and helps support, strengthen and regenerate liver function.
Research is showing that Milk Thistle improves kidney function. It is beneficial in supporting a pets kidney that may be damaged due to the use of drugs and radiation therapy, and for kidney damage caused by diabetes or infections.
Milk Thistle is used today as an anticancer support. Studies are showing that Milk thistle extract has an effect against cancer. This could be because Milk Thistle has very good antioxidant properties, which act as free radical scavengers. Research is showing that it may in fact help reduce or slow down the grown of certain cancer cell, and may protect and prevent cells from dividing in your pet's body.
Milk Thistle may used to help support a cat with:
Milk Thistle is a safe herb that is well tolerated by your bird. It is herb that is recommend and used by holistic practitioners
NHV Milk Thistle is glycerin based and safe for long-term use
For birds: 1 drop per two pounds twice a day
How to Administer
Shake well before use. The easiest method is to use the dropper provide and places the drops into your pet’s food or favorite treat. You can also use the dropper and squirt directly into the pet’s mouth.
Some pets can be finicky, if this occurs consider hiding the drops in foods most pet’s love such as mashed banana, strawberry or another favorite treat.
For Best Results
Herbal dietary supplements are beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet and are safe for long-term use. Every pet responds to natural herbal supplements differently, therefore it is important to be consistent and administer the product daily. Supplements generally take two to four weeks to take effect, however this will vary from one animal to the next.
Product Storage
All NHV Natural Pet Products are pure herbal extracts and contain no artificial additives, preservatives or coloring. Shelf life after opening is 6 months and must be refrigerated after opening.
Cautions and Contraindications
Do not use Milk Thistle in pregnant or nursing animals. Speak to your vet before using our products. A second visit is recommended if your pet’s condition does not improve, or deteriorates after continued use of the supplements.
All information provided by NHV Natural Pet Products is for educational purposes only.
Anna has been in the pet health industry for a total of 22 years, in a wide variety of roles. She’s a lifetime pet owner and currently shares her life with 2 large and giant breed dogs, 2 cats, and an Amazon parrot! She’s a passionate advocate for animals to live their most healthy and happy lives, she strives to learn all that she can about pet nutrition, treatment for specific health conditions, and all facets which lead to overall wellness. Contributing to her overall knowledge as a loving pet parent is her certification as a Professional Pet Food Nutrition Specialist. Next on the agenda is completing the Raw Dog Food Nutrition Specialist program, in order to add to the vast knowledge which she has already gained.
Published: June 15, 2022
anxiety & aggression support
For stress, anxiety, behavioral problems in birds
buy 2 and save $3
3 month supply for a small to medium size pet
Birds can be prone to stress and anxiety, which can lead to other health conditions such as feather plucking. Help to reduce stress and anxiety in your bird with Matricalm, a natural herbal product designed to help reduce excitability in your pet.
Chamomile – Contains sedative properties.
Passion Flower – An effective, non-addictive sedative.
Lemon Balm – An aromatic herb used for nervous disorders, excitability, and anxiety.
Valerian – Stops heart palpitations, relaxes spasms, relieves pain, and regulates the nervous system.
Hops – Eases tension and anxiety in pets.
For birds: 1 drop per two pounds twice a day
How to Administer
Shake well before use. The easiest method is to use the dropper provide and place the drops into your bird's favorite treat. You can also use the dropper and squirt directly into the bird’s mouth.
For Best Results
Herbal dietary supplements are beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet and are safe for long-term use. Every pet responds to natural herbal supplements differently, therefore it is important to be consistent and administer the product daily. Supplements generally take two to four weeks to take effect, however this will vary from one animal to the next.
Product Storage
All NHV Natural Pet Products are pure herbal extracts and contain no artificial additives, preservatives or coloring. Shelf life after opening is 6 months and must be refrigerated after opening.
Cautions and Contraindications
Do not use Matricalm in pregnant or nursing animals. Speak to your vet before using our products. A second visit is recommended if your pet’s condition does not improve, or deteriorates after continued use of the supplements.
All information provided by NHV Natural Pet Products is for educational purposes only.
Birds can be prone to stress and anxiety, which can lead to other health conditions such as feather plucking. Help to reduce stress and anxiety in your bird with Matricalm, a natural herbal product designed to help reduce excitability in your pet.
Chamomile – Contains sedative properties.
Passion Flower – An effective, non-addictive sedative.
Lemon Balm – An aromatic herb used for nervous disorders, excitability, and anxiety.
Valerian – Stops heart palpitations, relaxes spasms, relieves pain, and regulates the nervous system.
Hops – Eases tension and anxiety in pets.
For birds: 1 drop per two pounds twice a day
How to Administer
Shake well before use. The easiest method is to use the dropper provide and place the drops into your bird's favorite treat. You can also use the dropper and squirt directly into the bird’s mouth.
For Best Results
Herbal dietary supplements are beneficial to the health and wellbeing of your pet and are safe for long-term use. Every pet responds to natural herbal supplements differently, therefore it is important to be consistent and administer the product daily. Supplements generally take two to four weeks to take effect, however this will vary from one animal to the next.
Product Storage
All NHV Natural Pet Products are pure herbal extracts and contain no artificial additives, preservatives or coloring. Shelf life after opening is 6 months and must be refrigerated after opening.
Cautions and Contraindications
Do not use Matricalm in pregnant or nursing animals. Speak to your vet before using our products. A second visit is recommended if your pet’s condition does not improve, or deteriorates after continued use of the supplements.
All information provided by NHV Natural Pet Products is for educational purposes only.
