lovebirds feather plucking

Question
hi, I bought my lovebirds 4 yrs ago (not sure if they are a true pair)they have always got on well, but aren't tame ,cage is cleaned twice a week, fresh food/water daily fruit and veg also daily .Mite sprayed two weekly. one of my birds now appears to be losing feathers he/she (hasn't been sexed) is now bald under both wings,around the back of his neck and around his bottom. I have watched them the last couple of days it seems to be a combination of himself and the other lovebird plucking and nibbling. I got a pet cat a year ago but if anything the birds terrorize him! I am having some building work done could this be causing them stress ? should i move them elsewhere till work is finished ? I hope you can help I'm very worried from Lyn  

Answer
Hi, Lyn.  Thanks for posting!

Stop using the mite spray...parrots don't usually get mites unless they are housed outside.  When did your bird start plucking it's feathers?  The mite spray may be causing this problem, depending on when the plucking started.  Yes, the building work could be causing them stress.  How close to the birds is the building work being done?  

Plucking is usually the result of too much stress, changes in the home environment...psychological reasons ususally, but could also be medical.  What type of daily diet are they on?  If the other bird is preening this bird, how much of the feather loss can be associated to the other bird's preening versus the bird plucking itself?  The cat could also be causing stress, as the 2 are natural enemies.

Come back with answers to my questions and I'll see if I can help.  Thanks.

Chrys