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

Article Summary This article examines feather plucking caused by conspecific aggression in captive Rose-faced Lovebirds (Agapornis roseicollis), with particular attention to the influence of environmental and management factors on avian welfare. The study combines a review of the species’ biological and ecological characteristics with a case study involving four captive individuals displaying feather loss and signs of social conflict. Behavioral observations were conducted over a 24-hour period, followed by interventions including pair separation and environmental enrichment. The analysis explored potential contributors to aggressive behavior, including overcrowding, inadequate cage conditions, limited access to resources, insufficient stimulation, and disrupted social dynamics. Observations indicated a reduction and eventual cessation of aggression following environmental and social modifications. The study highlights the relationship between husbandry practices and behavioral outcomes in captive parrots, emphasizing the importance of appropriate environmental management for promoting welfare and preventing behavioral disorders in avian species. Publisher’s NoteThis work is published by the Catholic Open University – Research & Study Center as part of its Research and Publishing Program. All published materials undergo editorial review to ensure academic integrity, originality, and compliance with ethical research and publishing standards. Each publication is assigned a persistent digital identifier (DOI) to support long-term accessibility, citation, and global scholarly dissemination. Availability Official article page: https://www.catholicopenuniversity.org/articles/lovebird-feather-plucking Catholic Open University Digital Library: https://www.catholicopenuniversity.org/publications