SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/bird-plucking-nutrition

Which does Merck call likely one of the most common causes of feather plucking?

Poor nutrition, such as seed or table food diets.

Start playing free

  1. Poor nutrition ✔
  2. Too many toys
  3. Regular baths

Why: Diets based on seeds or table food often lack nutrients birds need for healthy skin and feathers. Merck says malnutrition is likely one of the most common factors in plucking.

Huh, didn't know that: Regular baths or misting keep skin from drying out and might lessen plucking.

The dad joke
Why did the toucan join the game? Because two can play at that.
Like this card?
Play the game

References

Answer: Poor nutrition. Diets based on seeds or table food often lack nutrients birds need for healthy skin and feathers. Merck says malnutrition is likely one of the most common factors in plucking.

  1. Skin and Feather Disorders of Pet Birds (Merck Veterinary Manual) www.merckvetmanual.com/bird-owners/disorders-and-diseases-of-birds/skin-and-feather-disorders-of-pet-birds
    In pet birds, malnutrition is likely one of the most common factors contributing to feather destructive behavior.
    Checked 2026-10-11.
  2. Skin and Feather Disorders of Pet Birds (Merck Veterinary Manual) www.merckvetmanual.com/bird-owners/disorders-and-diseases-of-birds/skin-and-feather-disorders-of-pet-birds
    Increasing humidity keeps the skin from drying out and might lessen feather plucking.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

Think this answer is wrong? Tap "Challenge this answer" on the card in the game and tell us why.

Test yourself in the game

BirdsWhich diet is linked to fatty liver disease in pet birds?BirdsWhy can a mixed bowl of pellets and seeds still leave a bird underfed?BirdsWhat is a major problem with a traditional seed-only bird diet?

That's stuff everyone should know.