Feather destructive behaviour (FDB) has become quite common among companion parrots. The definition of FDB is any self-inflicted destruction of feathers. This may include pulling feathers out completely with the beak or feet, chewing them off at the body, barbering (snipping away small pieces), or shredding the barbules off of the central shaft. Frequently, solutions elude caregivers because there is not a full recognition of the complexity of the problem.
In her experience both as veterinary technician as well as behaviour consultant, Pamela Clark frequently encounters caregivers dealing with the frustration often associated with parrots exhibiting signs of feather destructive behaviour.
She is here with us today to try and shed some light on the many causes of FDB, and provide guidance to the caregivers of companion parrots suffering from this affliction.
Related reading (Pamela Clark’s article excerpts from PsittaScene Magazine):
  – Feather Destructive Behaviour – Part 1 »
  – Feather Destructive Behaviour – Part 2 »
Date Recorded: July 2011
About the Presenter:
Pamela Clark, CVT
Pamela Clark is a well-known author, speaker and parrot behaviour consultant whose experience with parrots dates back 40 years to the purchase of her first pair of lovebirds. Her knowledge extends to a wide range of parrot species, and has been gained through experiences as diverse as breeding to rescue and rehabilitation. Pam has also trained parrots in behaviours as complex as that of free flight outdoors.
As a behaviour consultant, Pam’s approach is uniquely comprehensive, coupling improvements in husbandry and nutrition with the most positive and effective behavior modification strategies. She consults with clients throughout the United States, and as far away as Canada, Europe and Japan. Areas of particular interest to her are those of feather destructive behaviour, psittacine nutrition, the provision of indoor flight, and the human/parrot bond.
Pam is a licensed veterinary technician, and lives with a mixed flock of 10 companion parrots, a dog and two cats. Her articles have appeared in the Grey Play Round Table, Companion Parrot Quarterly, Bird Talk magazine, Birds USA,  Parrots magazine, Good Bird magazine, PsittaScene magazine, and the Holistic Bird Newsletter, which have been translated into several foreign languages.
