Lovebirds health

Question
Hi Sarah!

I have a lovebird that is going through his moult (i think that's how you say when the birds changing feather for new feathers). The problem is that she is loosing all her feathers. She has only feathers on her wings. I thought she was depressed or is having stress. Is this moult or more serious?
The bird is not alone. There are 4 other lovebirds with her. She's always playing with one of them, they always get along. And i checked for parasites and there are none of them. What could it be. I also noticed that without the feathers there is a bump on her chest that dissapears sometimes. Thanks
Natasha

Answer
Hello Natasha,

Now, when you say she is losing all her feathers.. You mean she is now completely bald aside from her wings?

When a bird goes through a moult, they will look very ragged, their feathers, but they shouldn't be bald. It is possible that one of the other lovies in with her is plucking her? Have you noticed any of them picking at her feathers, or even her picking at her own feathers. Its also possible that she is getting into the breeding cycle, does it seem that anywhere she is trying to build a nest? or is more aggressive than usual? They will at times, when hormonal, pluck themselves to build a nest.

In regards to this bump, where abouts on her is it located exactly? Its not her keel bone is it? That I would get looked at by a certified avian veterinarian, or even just call and describe it to them, and they can probably give you a good idea of what it is. It could be anything really, could just be a bone.. since I'm  not sure where this bump is, I'm not sure if its something natural, or not. Its possible she just banged herself there!

Plucking is a behavioural thing, and it might not neccasarily be her plucking herself, but rather one of the other lovies plucking her. Try getting one of those preening toys, or a few, for their cage and see if it clears up. Also, give her baths more often, or provide a bath dish for her. If they enjoy being misted, I would suggest going that way as well. They also sell peacock feather toys that I find my birds love, and if you have birds that overpreen, it really helps!

If you have anymore questions, please ask! I hope I've helped you out some.

Always glad to help,
Sarah