@article{MAKHILLJAVA20141314176,
title = {Assessment and Treatment of Feather Plucking in Sulphur-Crested Cockatoos Cacatua galerita},
journal = {Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances},
volume = {13},
number = {1},
pages = {51-61},
year = {2014},
issn = {1680-5593},
doi = {javaa.2014.51.61},
url = {https://makhillpublications.co/view-article.php?issn=1680-5593&doi=javaa.2014.51.61},
author = {Shawn Jen-Lung,Jack,Timothy and},
keywords = {Cockatoos,socialisation,training,feeding,social attention},
abstract = {The objectives of this project were to reduce feather-plucking
behaviour in a pair of sulphur-crested cockatoos (Cacatua galerita) and
to find the underlying cause of the behaviour. The study was carried out via
the application of a number of treatments which were chosen due to past research.
These researches determined that the possible causes of feather-plucking are
stress, boredom and lack of adequate socialisation. The treatments researchers
used were medicine (Haloperidol), socialisation, training and feeding enrichment.
The success of the treatments was verified by behavioural observations, feather-condition
score and by corticosterone level testing of the parrots. Overall, the project
was a success with the reducing of abnormal behaviours, improving of feather
condition score and decreasing of corticosterone levels during the treatment
period. The most successful treatment was the training sessions as they provided
the parrot with much needed social attention as well as the mental stimulation
that a clever animal such as a cockatoo requires. These results are significant
as it helps to shed some light on the underlying causes of feather-plucking
and how to reduce the behaviour. Parrot training is easily applicable to all
captive parrots whether they are held in a zoo environment or kept in a household.}
}