Causes:

1. Condition of captivity-importance of thermoregulation and flight. Also not bored.
2. Liver Dz-bile acid deposits in skin causing pruritis.
3. Parasites-lice, mites, and Giardia.
4. Malnutrition- ¯ Vit. A, sulfur containing AA's, arginine, niacin, pantothenic acid, biotin, folic acid, and salt can cause dry, flaky, itchy skin. Decreased Ca, Zn, Se, Mg, can cause brittle frayed feathers and dermatitis.
5. Bacterial/fungal infections causing folliculitis/dermatitis (inflamed follicles/skin).
6. Air sacculitis (inflamed air sacs) causing picking on skin around affected air sac.
7. Tobacco smoke- causes skin irritation or allergic rxn.
8. Scented candles, incense, perfumes or colognes can cause allergic rxns.
9. Over crowding-pecking order.
10. Over pruning of a mate.
11. Psychological-improper socialization, separation anxiety, sexual frustration, genetic neurosis (don't breed), not positioning bird at eye level, new toys or changing cage to different location (this can also be a Tx), new bird or other pets, new person, not enough stimulation, boredom or as a pacifier.

Most Common Breeds Affected or Seen Clinically:

1. Cockatoos, Macaws, Monk Parakeets, African Grays, Quakers, Cockatiels and Conures.
2. Cockatoos, Macaws, and African Grays rate a 10 on a scale of 1-10 for needing attention.
3. Cockatoos, Macaws, and Monk Parakeets tend to be caused by separation anxiety.

Treatment:

1. *Focus on treating the underlying medical problem 1st. Need to rule out everything
before treating for a psychological problem. May never resolve.
2. Psychological Tx:
- ­ Stimulation: leaving a video of the family, radio/TV on when you're not home.
-Improve on Human animal bond.
-Remove source of stress…i.e. irritating or unliked child, person or animal.
-Mind altering drugs: Amitriptyline HCL, Haloperidol, Diazepam, Clomipramine.
3. Last Resort Txs:
*These don't cure the underlying problem, but are a temporary fix.
-Bitter sprays, collars, body wraps or beak prosthesis.

Prevention:

1. Know what you're getting into before obtaining a bird in terms of it's attention needs.
2. Feed a well balanced diet.
3. Properly socialize and adapt your bird in daily routines and with other people and animals.
4. Don't expose to allergens/irritants…Tobacco smoke, incense, scented candles.