Gradual change by itself should not cause enough of a trauma to start a feather picking episode. However, parrots who have been overprotected and poorly socialized may not react well to any new situation, especially if it happens suddenly. If the change seriously threatens the bird's sense of security, phobic behavior may result in feather mutilation. In young parrots, traumatic or aggressive handling can also be a factor in picking. It is important to protect any young bird from any threatening experience.
Some people drive their parrots crazy.
Teasing, aggressive behavior, continual confrontation, or constant arguing from humans can cause insecurity in parrots that could lead to picking. Our major goal for our parrots should be to help them be secure in our homes. Poor Early Socialization Parrots are intelligent animals and much of their behavior is learned. It is the process by which they learn their social and survival skills. Basically, parrots do not automatically know how to adapt to their life in a living room.