There are many reasons why a pet bird could have ruffled feathers, from improper temperature to an unbalanced diet. It could also be a symptom of another medical condition. Book an appointment with your local vet if you have concerns about your pet’s health. In the meantime, we’ll look at some of the most common reasons why your bird could have ruffled feathers.
1. The Bird Is Too Cold
Improper temperature is one of the most common explanations for why a bird has ruffled feathers. Many birds can naturally ruffle their feathers to regulate their temperature. They may fluff them up to trap warm air and remain insulated when it’s very cold. Then, they’ll drop or flatten their feathers when they want to cool down. Ruffled feathers in response to temperature changes is more common in wild birds, like eagles and owls, because they’re exposed to the elements.
Pets and domestic fowl shouldn’t experience this if they live in the right conditions. However, inexperienced owners can make mistakes regulating their birds’ enclosure. Luckily, this is an easy problem to solve. Heating pads and hot water bottles can keep your bird warm when temperatures drop.
Heat lamps are one solution but be careful when using them. They may burn the bird if they make direct contact. They’re also a fire hazard if you use straw in your feathered friend’s enclosure.
2. You Have an Eggbound Hen
Ruffled feathers are a common symptom of eggbinding in female birds. This condition is when the hen cannot naturally release the egg from her body. It can be very dangerous, and there are a range of other signs aside from ruffled feathers, such as:
- Lethargy
- Partial paralysis
- Constipation
- Rapid breathing
- A swollen abdomen
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
Most owners won’t be able to tell if their bird is egg-bound from ruffled feathers alone. You may be able to help the bird release the egg by bathing it in warm water. In more serious cases, it’s essential to bring the bird to the vet. The vet may use an implement to break the egg inside the bird and pull it out. Otherwise, they’ll perform surgery to save the bird’s life. This can be a very stressful experience for the bird and its owner. However, the survival rate is high if the owner intervenes quickly.
3. Your Bird Has an Unbalanced Diet
Birds can also suffer from ruffled feathers if their diet is insufficient. For example, pure seed diets can be a big problem for birds for several reasons. Birds need enough protein for feather repair and regrowth. Meanwhile, fatty acids are necessary for healthy, glossy feathers. The condition will rapidly deteriorate if they don’t get enough essential nutrients through their regular diet—which must include more than seeds.
Bird keepers usually give their feathered friends high-quality pellets. They may also provide seeds as well as fresh fruits and vegetables. Leafy greens and berries are great options because they’ll help boost your bird’s immune system. If you keep domesticated poultry, like chickens, ducks, or geese, consider allowing them to free roam and eat grass. This will enhance the quality of their eggs, too.
4. Airborne Contaminants Can Affect Birds’ Health
Many owners don’t realize how sensitive birds are to airborne contaminants, which can seriously impact their pets’ overall health as well as their feather condition. Many localities around the world, including California, are increasingly suffering from wildfires. Pets exposed to the smoke and airborne debris can suffer a loss in feather quality, along with further complications.
Keep your bird indoors (which may include moving its cage) and exercise caution if you live close to a recycling site or landfill. Persistent organic pollutants (POPs) are toxic for birds and can affect their feather quality. This could hinder their ability to fly or swim.
5. Your Bird Doesn’t Have Appropriate Housing
We’ve already mentioned that birds may ruffle their feathers if it’s cold. Yet, there are other ways that environmental factors can affect their health. For example, if a bird’s cage or coop is too small, this can trigger stress, lowering the immune system’s response and causing health problems. Stress could also lead to the birds pecking at each other and acting aggressively.
Small enclosures can also lead to excrement buildup––the perfect breeding ground for nasty bacteria and parasites. These could impact the birds’ feathers quality and cause more health problems. Regular cage cleaning is essential for your bird’s happiness and overall condition. Don’t forget to disinfect it!
6. Underlying Health Problems Can Ruffle Feathers (Literally)
Unfortunately, ruffled feathers can be a symptom of an underlying health condition. Feather follicle and liver diseases are the most common problems that can trigger ruffled feathers. It may be necessary for the pet bird to undergo surgery to remove the affected feathers depending on the cause. If you suspect that your bird is sick, quarantine them to prevent the illness from spreading. Contact an experienced avian vet if you’ve any serious concerns.
7. Molting Can Cause Ruffled Feathers in Birds
Molting is the most harmless reason why a bird has ruffled feathers. It could simply be the time of year when they replace their old feathers with new ones. Some birds molt during the mating season in the spring. Others molt when they sense a stark change in temperature. Molting also keeps their plumage lustrous and beautiful. Bird feather loss happens at different times. Migratory species like swallows may start molting after breeding. Owls typically molt once a year, while the marsh wren molts twice per year.
