https://www.chewy.com/education/bird/health-and-wellness/parents-pluck-baby-birds-feathers
*Your bird’s health goes beyond feathers. The Bird Health & Wellness Education Hub offers guidance on signs of illness, grooming basics, avian vet visits, and environmental safety - so you can give your bird a long, happy, and healthy life.
Chewy editorial team helps you to understand that when both parent birds begin picking at their babies, sometimes the only solution is to remove the chicks and raise them by hand.
Featherless or partially feathered babies require extra energy to regrow their feathers, which can hinder their rapid early development.
It is very important to stop or prevent this behavior as soon as possible.
Fortunately, plucked chicks usually grow back their feathers and regain a healthy, normal appearance.
Parents may pluck their chicks out of a desire to return to the nest sooner, but this behavior can be harmful and, if left unchecked, might be passed down through generations.
Birds that exhibit this behavior might be best retired from breeding to ensure a healthier, kinder flock environment.
If you do need to hand raise chicks, there are excellent formulas available, but it is crucial to seek guidance from experienced bird caregivers to learn proper feeding techniques.
When hand feeding, keep the formula at the right temperature, maintain a comfortable environment for the chicks, watch closely for infections, and weigh the babies daily to monitor their health.
Additionally, some retired breeders can find new roles as companion birds or foster parents, helping nurture chicks that are then raised by other pairs.
With the right care and attention, you can help ensure these delicate young birds grow strong and thrive.
