She's letting him pull out her feathers..!?

Question

my female cockatiel started pulling out her own feathers from her chest a couple weeks ago.

it was because i bought a new cage with a separater to keep her and my other tiel from mating [i didnt want them to breed]. but they both got really depressed.. she started pulling out her feathers, and he started rubbing his head on the bars till his feathers rubbed off.

i got so worried.. i'd rather risk them breeding than see them act like that! i removed the separater, and they're back together now and much happier!

my male started singing again, his feathers are all grown back, and he looks so handsome! and my female is back to her chipper self, and she's all cuddly again. but....

she hasnt stopped plucking out her feathers.

she's even got her mate pulling out her feathers with her!!

why??? is she addicted to feather pulling, like how humans can get addicted to cutting?? how can i get my crazy birds to stop??

they seems happy!

they're eating great.. they get daily greens.. the occasional millet spray.. mineral block.. i havent given them cuttlebone in a while tho.. could that be it??

they get let out of their cage daily.. they're fantastic flyers.. get lots of exercise.

whats wrong with her??

Answer 1

Give them a cuttlebone, it is essential to them.  It provides calcium.  

My 'keet pulled out feathers.  When she did, I would clap and say, NO!  After a while she just stopped.  

Birds pull feathers because of stress.  You seem like a great owner, so, that can't be it.

Maybe she's just itchy.  Try spraying the bird with a spray that will activate they're want to preen.  They'll preen a lot, but it's better than pulling feathers.

Answer 2

Once birds get started plucking feathers sometimes it is difficult to get them to stop.  You can try distractions new toys etc. Find a toy that she can shred. There is a toy call "Shredders"  Even having a cuttlebone might help. Just keep trying different things.  It also might just be the time of the year. Good Luck!  You seem like you are a good owner.