Session 03: Feather Plucking-Causes and Contributing Factors (Avian Veterinarian Seminar)

Session 03: Feather Plucking-Causes and Contributing Factors (Avian Veterinarian Seminar)

This video is streamed on a members-only site. It is currently available with English audio and Japanese subtitles only. If we receive more requests from overseas, we plan to offer it in multiple languages, so we would appreciate it if you could share it. If you would like an English-language version, please contact us and we will guide you to the original seminar video.

Dr. Jamie Abete
Director of Niles Animal Hospital and Bird Medical Center.
This animal hospital was founded in 1949 by Dr. Lafeber (founder of the Lafeber pellet brand). Dr. Jamie has over 10 years of experience as a veterinarian and more than 20 years in the veterinary field. She graduated from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in 2014 and has kept and bred many bird species for over 30 years. She currently treats a wide variety of animals and has a strong interest in Avian Nutrition and Behavior, Avian Medicine, and Feline Medicine.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
• Overview of the seminar
• Speaker introduction: Dr. Jamie Abete

2. What Is Feather Plucking?
• Types and characteristics of feather plucking
• Why do birds pluck their feathers?
• Differences between wild birds and companion birds

3. Main Causes of Feather Plucking
• Nutritional factors
　－ The role of protein
　－ Vitamin A deficiency and its effects
　－ The impact of B vitamins
　－ The relationship between calcium and vitamin D
　－ The effects of omega-3 fatty acids
　－ Issues related to pellets
• Effects of toxins
　－ Zinc and lead poisoning
　－ The impact of tobacco, scents, and air fresheners (fragrances)
• Environmental factors
　－ Housing conditions (cage size, light cycle, humidity)
　－ Relationships with other animals
• Effects of disease
　－ Skin infections and parasites
　－ Internal diseases (such as heart or kidney disease)
• Medical factors
　－ The relationship between heart disease and feather plucking
　－ Effects of kidney disease, arthritis, and nerve pain
　－ Allergies and inflammation
• Behavioral factors
　－ The effects of stress and hormonal behavior
　－ Social isolation and abnormal behaviors
　－ Continuation through habit formation
　－ Lack of environmental stimulation (the importance of foraging)

4. Prevention and Care for Feather Plucking
• What examinations and tests are performed (blood tests, feather testing, X-rays)
• Improving the diet
• Medication and treatment options
• Ways to improve the bird’s living environment
• Behavioral therapy and enrichment
• Strategies to reduce stress

5. Q&A Session
• Introduction of specific case examples
• Questions and answers from participants

This course consists of a total of 16 videos (Session 01–16). We will be streaming seminars presented by avian specialists from Europe and North America.
In addition, we offer a wide range of content, including short sessions on diet and nutrition by the PEGO staff, as well as Japanese translations of literature on bird care from avian veterinarians, researchers, and other experts.

[How to Watch]

For non-members: This video seminar will be streamed on a members-only site. To watch, please complete a free membership registration in advance via here. If you make a purchase before registering, please send us a DM after registration and we will provide you with the viewing link. ※Please note that we cannot send any information until your membership registration is complete.

For members: If you have purchased the seminar, we will send the viewing URL via Instagram DM. If Instagram DM is not available, the viewing URL will be sent to your registered email address within three days.

[Viewing Period]
30 days from the date the viewing link is sent (not from the date of purchase)

A portion of the viewing fee will be donated to institutions such as the Animal Nutrition Research Institute at Saint Xavier University and avian conservation and education organizations. We hope many bird owners will take the opportunity to watch. The seminar is packed with valuable tips for caring for your beloved birds!