Feather loss in psittacine birds is an extremely common and extremely frustrating clinical presentation. Causes
include medical and non-medical causes of feather loss both with and without overt feather destructive behavior.
Underlying causes are myriad and include inappropriate husbandry and housing; parasitic, viral and bacterial
infections; metabolic and allergic diseases; and behavioral disorders. Prior to a diagnosis of a behavioral disorder,
medical causes of feather loss must be excluded through a complete medical work-up including a comprehensive
history, physical exam, and diagnostic testing as indicated by the history, signalment and clinical signs. This article
focuses on some of the more common medical and non-medical causes of feather loss and feather destructive
behavior as well as approaches to diagnosis and treatment. Copyright 2012 Published by Elsevier Inc.