Scruffy tail feathers

Question

I've taken in a distressed lovebird and notice that her tail feathers look really ragged at the ends. She has never been with another bird so it's unlifely that it's mites and I don't see any tell tale signs of a feather mite problem anyway. She doesn't seem to be pulling at her tail feathers although she is doing a wee bit of self plucking up near her neck which will hopefully stop as she becomes "de-stressed". Any ideas what else could cause this reggedy tail?

Answer 1

Some birds keep their tails messed up like this from climbing around their cage all the time. Sometimes it is caused by the cage. It could be another bird playing a game of chewing on his buddies tail feathers. It is hard to say.

Bird keeping (even one) is a hobby of observation. The longer you observe your birds actions the better you  will get  to know him. It doesn't happen in a day, week or month,

but one day you will be sitting there observing your bird/birds and you will know what your birds actions mean. If  you will just sit and watch, the bird will tell you when he feels bad or is sick or what ever. When you get there you have gained it's complete trust. I just takes a bunch of TLC. If the ragged tail bothers  you so, just pluck them out. Grab hold of a feather and give it a quick tug. Birds have a far greater tolerance to  pain that we have. People who show their birds practice plucking all the time. It would be the equivalent of plucking a hair. The feather will grow back in six weeks.  

Answer 2

Maybe something new you got. Something your wearing. Unhealthy food. Anything could be the problem.