A case study of feather plucking by conspecific birds of the species Agapornis roseicollis

Abstract

This paper examines the importance of proper management of captive birds, especially when they are kept in large groups in confined spaces and without environmental enrichment. It emphasizes how inadequate management of captive animals, characterized by overpopulation, limited space, and poor environmental enrichment, can lead to serious behavioral problems, including aggression that culminates in feather plucking and even death. This paper focuses on a specific psittaciform species.

Mere housing is not enough: it is necessary to provide the animals with an enriched, spacious, and stimulating environment that meets their natural needs and promotes their physical and mental well-being. Only in this way can the onset of behavioral problems, such as feather plucking by conspecifics, be prevented, thus protecting the health and quality of life of captive birds.

Introduction

This article highlights a crucial problem in bird keeping: feather picking by conspecifics. Focusing on the species Agapornis roseicollis, the author emphasizes the importance of careful and informed management of captive animals, especially when housed in large groups in confined spaces and lacking adequate environmental stimuli.

A lack of specific knowledge about the species being bred, combined with inappropriate management practices, can lead to a series of negative consequences, not only in terms of health (increased susceptibility to infectious and non-infectious diseases) but also behavioral. Among these, feather picking by conspecifics is a serious problem that, in some cases, can even lead to the death of the individual.

Therefore, a profound reflection on the responsibility placed on bird owners is essential. Mere keeping is not enough: it is necessary to provide animals with an enriched, spacious, and stimulating environment that can satisfy their natural needs and promote their physical and mental well-being. Only in this way can the onset of behavioral problems such as feather plucking by conspecifics be prevented, protecting the health and quality of life of captive birds.

The Rose-Faced Lovebird: Biological and Ecological Notes

The Rose-Faced Lovebird, commonly known as the lovebird or rose-faced parrot, is a charming bird belonging to the order Psittaciformes, family Psittaculidae, genus Agapornis.

Its compact size, between 15 and 18 centimeters in length and a weight ranging from 43 to 65 grams, makes it a popular unconventional (exotic) pet.

Its light, grass-green plumage, slightly deeper on the dorsal area, contrasts nicely with its bright blue rump.

The distinctive peach-colored facial spot and the darker reddish hue on the upper chest contribute to its unique beauty.

A yellowish beak and a fleshy white eye ring complete its distinctive appearance. Immature individuals have a light brown coloration on the face and upper chest, distinguishing them from adults.

Two subspecies of Agapornis roseicollis are recognized in nature, with a geographic range limited to the regions of Angola, Namibia, and South Africa. These parrots prefer open, arid habitats, adapting to life in semi-desert environments.

Regarding migration, the Agapornis roseicollis is considered a resident, making only short local movements, especially during periods of water scarcity.

Its trophic ecology is primarily based on the seeds of Albizia anthelmintica, a plant belonging to the Fabaceae family endemic to the African continent.

The lovebird's diet also includes other plants of the Euphorbia genus, as well as corn and cultivated sunflowers, for which it is sometimes considered an agricultural pest.

The natural breeding season coincides with late summer, between February and April, when plant pods mature.

The rose-winged lovebird lays its eggs in rock crevices, but may also use abandoned nests of other species, such as those of the sociable weaver (Philetarius socius).

The clutch size varies between 4 and 6 eggs. The female is solely responsible for incubating the eggs, while the male provides feeding during this period.

Incubation lasts between 25 and 29 days. The young become independent and able to fly approximately 45 days after hatching.

In conclusion, the rose-winged lovebird is a fascinating bird with a number of unique biological and ecological characteristics.

Captive Breeding and the Legal Status of the Rose-faced Parrot

The rose-faced parrot (Agapornis roseicollis), known for its bright pink facial plumage, is a shining example of how captive breeding can contribute to species conservation. Its easy reproduction in controlled environments has made the capture of wild individuals unnecessary, protecting natural populations.

In Europe, all rose-faced lovebirds available on the market are from breeding, not capture.

This situation is furthered by the lack of CITES regulations for the species in Europe, allowing for free sale.

Globally, the IUCN classifies the rose-faced lovebird as a species of "least concern," indicating that it is not currently threatened with extinction.

Captive breeding has also allowed the development of numerous color varieties through selective breeding, enriching the species' genetic diversity and making it even more attractive to enthusiasts.

However, despite its apparent success, it is crucial to maintain a responsible approach to breeding the Rosy-faced Parrot. Excessive selection of certain varieties could lead to a loss of genetic variability, making the species more vulnerable to disease and environmental changes. Furthermore, it is important to ensure adequate living conditions for captive animals, respecting their ethological needs and providing a stimulating environment.

In conclusion, captive breeding is a valuable tool for the conservation of the Rosy-faced Parrot, but requires responsible and ethical management to ensure animal welfare and the long-term preservation of the species.

A Case Study

This paper analyzes the case of four rose-faced lovebirds, adopted by the author following the death of their previous owner.

Initial Condition:

At the time of adoption, all four parrots showed obvious signs of stress and neglect. Three individuals had severe feather loss on their nape and neck, with one also showing small wounds resulting from intraspecific aggression. This clinical picture suggests an unsuitable environment and possible conflictual social dynamics within the group.

Sex identification:

The lack of identification rings made it impossible to determine the sex of the animals, as rose-faced lovebirds do not exhibit obvious sexual dimorphism.

To overcome this difficulty, four feathers were removed from the chest of each individual and sent to an avian genetics laboratory for DNA analysis and molecular sex determination. The results of this analysis are still pending at the time of writing.

Inadequate environmental conditions:

The cage housing the four parrots was insufficiently large to ensure their physical and psychological well-being. The environment lacked enrichment, with a limited variety of perches, toys, and other stimulants.

Furthermore, the lack of adequate feeders and water bowls (only one for food and one for water) indicated a lack of attention to the group's nutritional and hygiene needs.

Study Methodology

The method used in this study, which concerned aggression among four Rose-winged Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis), birds known for their social nature, was divided into several phases:

Preliminary Phase: Observation in the Original Cage

In the first phase, the four rose-faced lovebirds were observed for a period of 24 hours in their original cage, without modifying their habitat. This approach allowed us to obtain a realistic view of spontaneous social interactions and identify any individuals exhibiting aggressive behavior.

The use of a camera as a continuous recording tool ensured constant monitoring of the group, even during nighttime hours. This strategy allowed us to collect accurate data on interactions between the birds, precisely identifying who was attacking whom and the frequency of aggression.

It is important to note that the study ruled out the presence of ectoparasites as a possible cause of the feather loss observed in aggressive individuals.

This precaution ensures that the aggression was due to social dynamics within the group and not to external factors such as parasitic infections.

Next Phase: Pair Separation and Environmental Enrichment.

After analyzing social interactions in the preliminary phase, the rose-faced lovebirds were separated into two new cages.

Pair formation was determined based on the interactions observed in the previous 24 hours, grouping individuals that had shown a greater propensity for positive interaction. It should be noted once again that the sexing data of the studied individuals were not yet available at the time of this writing.

The new cages were enriched with food and fresh water available to each individual, ensuring an adequate level of nutritional well-being. Enrichment elements were also introduced.

Following pair formation and the introduction of environmental enrichment, a cessation of aggression between the individuals was observed. Thirty-six hours after separation, aggression that led to feather plucking had completely ceased.

Discussion and Conclusion

Preliminary results obtained in the study on four rose-faced lovebirds suggest an important relationship between environment and behavior.

The combination of social separation and environmental enrichment appears to be effective in reducing and, in some cases, eliminating aggression and feather plucking, problematic behaviors frequently observed in these social birds.

The study identified several triggers for feather plucking in the four parrots analyzed. These include:

·  Insufficient cage size and overcrowding: A restricted living space limits the opportunity for natural movement, exploration, and positive social interaction.

·  Inadequate number of feeders and waterers: Competition for essential resources can generate stress and aggression among individuals.

· Lack of environmental enrichment: The lack of cognitive, exploratory, and manipulative stimulation leads to frustration, boredom, and destructive behaviors such as feather plucking.

·  Sexual competition: Social dynamics within the group can be a source of conflict, especially when multiple males or females compete for access to mates.

·  Disruptive photoperiod: Disruption of natural light-dark cycles can negatively affect the endocrine system of birds, causing stress and abnormal behavior.

·  Inadequate hygiene: A dirty and unhealthy environment favors the development of bacteria and parasites, increasing stress and vulnerability to intraspecific attacks.

The elimination of these predisposing factors, combined with respect for the natural photoperiod, led to positive results in the case study: cessation of aggression between individuals and subsequent elimination of feather plucking in all individuals analyzed.

These results offer interesting insights into the influence of environment and social structure on aggression in Agapornis roseicollis. It highlights the need to invest in raising awareness among all those wishing to breed this species, or other species belonging to the aves class.

Proper bird management is essential for their well-being and to prevent problematic behaviors. This involves:

· Provide spacious cages and aviaries: sized according to the number of individuals, with the possibility of free flight and dedicated resting areas.

· Ensure easy access to food and fresh water: use an adequate number of feeders and drinkers.

· Enrich the environment: provide branches, perches of various sizes and materials, and objects to explore.

· Respect the natural social dynamics of the species: avoid overcrowding and ensure an appropriate ratio of males to females.

· Maintain a photoperiod consistent with the natural cycle: simulate variations in sunlight to promote physiological and behavioral well-being.

· Ensure optimal hygiene: regularly clean the cage, food containers, and water.

In conclusion, this study emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to captive bird care. An enriched, socially stimulating, and physically adequate environment is essential for the physical and mental well-being of Agapornis roseicollis and for preventing problematic behaviors such as feather plucking and aggression.

Bibliography consulted for further information

• Bauck L. Psittacine diets and behavioral enrichment. Sem Avi Exotic Pet Med 1998;7(3):135–140.

• Bergman, L., & Reinisch, U. (2006). Parrot Vocalization. In A.U. Luescher (Ed.), Manual of Parrot Behavior (pp. 225–231). Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa.

• Bays, T.B., Lightfoot, T., & Mayer, J. (2006). Exotic Pet Behavior. St Louis, MO: Saunders.

• Chitty, J. (2003). Feather plucking in psittacine birds 2. Social, environmental and behavioural considerations. In Practice, 25(9), 550.

• Dilger, W.C. (1960). The comparative ethology of the African parrot genus Agapornis. Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie. 17: 649-685.

• Dilger, W.C. (1964). Evolution in the African parrot genus Agapornis. Living Bird. 3: 135-148.

• Davis CS: Parrot psychology and behavior problems, Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 21(6):1281-1288, 1991.

• Dilger, W.C. (1975). The behaviour of lovebirds. Pp. 139-147 in: Eisner, T. & Wilson, E.O. eds. (1975). Animal Behaviour. W.H. Freeman & Co., San Francisco.

• Dowsett, R. J., and A. D. Forbes-Watson (1993). Checklist of Birds of the Afrotropical and Malagasy Regions. Volume 1: Species Limits and Distribution. Tauraco Press, Liège, Belgium.

• Dyck, J. (1971). Structure and spectral reflectance of green and blue feathers of the Rose-faced Lovebird (Agapornis roseicollis). Biol. Sk. Dan. Vid. Selsk. 18(2): 1-67.

• Fischdick, G., Hahn, V. and Immelmann, K. (1984). Die Sozialisation beim Rosenköpfchen Agapornis roseicollis. [Socialization of the Peach-faced Lovebird, Agapornis roseicollis]. Journal of Ornithology. 125(3): 307-319. In German with English summary.

• Mebes, H. D. (1982). Notes on the reproductive biology of rose-faced lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis) in captivity. Mag. Parrot Soc.. 16(3): 76-79.

• Mebes, H.D. (1977). Agapornis roseicollis (Vieillot) (Aves, Psittacidae, Loriini) as a Pair Duet in Psychoacoustic Research. Z. Versuchstierk. 19: 195-203.

• Mebes, H.D. (1978). Pair-Specific Duet in the Peach-Faced Lovebird Agapornis roseicollis. Naturwissenschaften 65: 66-67.

• Mebes, H.D. (1981). Notes on the Reproductive Biology of Captive Pink-Faced Lovebirds Agapornis roseicollis. Mitt. Orn. Arbeitsgr. SWA Wiss. Ges. 17(6): 1-4.

• Mebes, H.D. (1981). Zur Verbreitung und Öko-Ethologie des südwestafrikanischen Rosenpapageis Agapornis roseicollis (Vieillot). J. SWA Wis. Jesus. 34-35: 87-112.

• Harrison GL, McDonald D: Nutritional considerations. In Harrison GL, Lightfoot TL, editors: Clinical avian medicine, vol I, Palm Beach, FL, 2006, Spix Publishing, pp 108–140.

• Hess L, Mauldin G, Rosenthal K: Estimated nutrient content of diets commonly fed to pet birds. Vet Rec 150:399–404, 2002.

• International Union for Conservation of Nature: Red list of threatened species, Cambridge, UK, 2012, IUCN.

• Joseph L, Toon A, Schirtzinger EE, et al: A revised nomenclature and classification for family-group taxa of parrots (Psittaciformes). Zootaxa 3205:26–40, 2012.

• Koutsos EA, Matson KD, Klasing KC: Nutrition of birds in the order Psittaciformes: A review. J Avian Med Surg 15:257–275, 2001.

• Meehan, C., & Mench, J. (2006). Captive parrot welfare. In A.U. Luescher (Ed.), Manual of parrot behavior (pp. 301–318). Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa.

• Meehan, J., Klosterman, K., & Andrews, J. (2021). AZA Species Survival Plan® red program population analysis and breeding and transfer plan for kea (Nestor notabilis). AZA Population Management Center: Chicago, USA.

• Mellor, E.L., McDonald, H., Mendl, M., Cuthill, I., van Zeeland, Y., & Mason, G. (2021). Nature calls: Intelligence and natural foraging style predict poor welfare in captive parrots. Proceedings of the Royal Society B, 288(1960), 1–10.

• Munn, C. (2006). Parrot Conservation, Trade, and Reintroduction. In A.U. Luescher (Ed.), Manual of parrot behavior (pp. 27–31). Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa.

• Spoon, T. (2006). Parrot reproductive behaviour, or who associates, who mates, and who cares? In A.U. Luescher (Ed.), Manual of parrot behavior (pp. 63–77). Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa.

• Wilson, G.H. (2006). Behaviour of captive psittacids in the breeding aviary. In A.U. Luescher (Ed.), Manual of parrot behavior (pp. 281–290). Blackwell Publishing, Ames, Iowa.

• Watters, J., Krebs, B., & Pacheco, E. (2019). Measuring welfare through behavioral observation and adjusting it with dynamic environments. In A. Kaufman, M. Bashaw & T. Maple (Eds.), Scientific foundations of zoos and aquariums: Their role in conservation and research (pp. 212–240). Cambridge, University Press, Cambridge.

• Low R 1992. Parrots, their care and reproduction. Blandford/Cassell, Poole, Dorset. Collar N J 1997. Psittacidae (parrots). In: Handbook of birds of the world, Vol. IV, Sandgrouse to cuckoos. Lynx edicions, Barcelona, pp. 280–477.

• Bonilla-Jaime H, Retana-Marquez S, Vazquez-Palacios G, et al: Corticosterone and testosterone levels after chronic stress in an animal model of depression, Neuropsychobiology 48(2):55-58, 2003.

• Garner JP, Meehan CL, Mench JA: Stereotypies in caged parrots, schizophrenia and autism: evidence for a common mechanism, Behav Brain Res 145(1-2):125- 134, 2003.

• Kavanau JL: Behavior and evolution: lovebirds, cockatiels and budgerigars, Los Angeles, 1987, Science Software Systems.

• Linden PG: Behavioral development of the companion psittacine bird. In Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the AAV, Wesley Chapel, Fla., 1998.

• Rosenthal KL, Morris DO, Mauldin EA, et al: Cytologic, histologic, and microbiologic characterization of the feather pulp and follicles of featherpicking psittacine birds: a preliminary study, J Avian Med Surg 18(3):137-143, 2004.

• Styles D: Captive psittacine behavioral reproductive husbandry and management: socialization, aggression control, and pairing techniques.

• Wilson L: Screaming and biting in the psittacine pet bird, Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract, 3(4):641-650, 2001.

• Wilson L, Lightfoot T, Linden P: Concepts in behavior, section II: early psittacine behavior. In Harrison GJ, Lightfoot TL, editors: Clinical avian medicine, Palm Beach, Fla., 2006, Spix.

• Farabaugh SM, Dooling RJ. Acoustic communication in parrots: Laboratory and field studies of budgerigars, Melopsittacus undulates. In: Kroodsma DE, Miller, EH, eds. Ecology and Evolution of Acoustic Communication in Birds. Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1996;97–117.

• Koski MA. Dermatological diseases in psittacine birds: An investigational approach. Sem Avi Exotic Pet Med 2002;11(3):105–124.

• Nett CS, Tully TN. Anatomy, clinical presentation, and diagnostic approach to feather picking pet birds. Compendium 2003;25(3):206–218.

• Jenkins JR. Feather picking and self-mutilation in psittacine birds. Vet Clin N Amer Exotic Anim Prac 2001;4(3):651–667.

• Rosskopf WJ, Woerpel RW, eds. Feather picking and therapy of skinand feather disorders. In: Diseases of Cage and Aviary Birds. 3rd ed. Baltimore: Williams and Wilkins, 1996;397–405.