In chronically affected birds, the increase nutritional demand to replace picked feathers may result in lingering ill-thriftyness, debilitation, increased suseptibility to infections, a substandard immune system responsiveness, pain, lethargy, poor quality of life and, ultimately, premature death . Sadly, there are literally hundreds of incredibly beautiful pet bird species and, often it is the physical beauty that provides the principle attraction of human to bird.
Severe damage is to skin and underlying tissues most often involving the wing webs and legs.
In these, a black discoloration may precede self-mutilation. A similar observation has been made in humans afflicted with a human mutilation syndrome . However like the other data, cause and effect relationships may be circumstantial as no specific scientific studies have examined this interesting problem. The habituated obcessive feather-picker is a major problem steeped in frustration for bird, owner and veterinarian. This information was based on numerous retrospective studies and has been modified here, in table form for you to view. .