My parakeet has just started looking a little disheveled on his head and a couple days later seems to be getting a bald spot above his cere. He is not scratching or acting abnormal in anyway. He is my only bird and I have had to leave him during the day alone, which is new to him. That is the only difference I can think of. Any advice, suggestions, answers??? Thanks
2007-02-02 03:53:36 · 3 answers · asked by nurse betty 2 in Pets ➔ Birds
First, is he the only bird in the cage? Or is there a female in there with him. If there is a female, she could be pulling his feathers to get his attention. If he is the only bird, then the change in your schedule could be causing it. It's kind of like grieving. It sound to me like he is rubbing his head on the side of the cage. One thing you can start to do is, the minute you walk in the door, say hi (his name), then walk up to the cage and ask him about his day, talking to him the whole time your putting your things away from the day. Then let him out and allow him to ride around on your shoulder while you do whatever it is you do at night. Get a portable perch that stands from the floor and move it with you when you go to do something else. This added attention, no matter how small it is, may stop him from rubbing his head Bald. I have a bird rescue and had an African Gray that did that. It was because his owner passed away and that was his way of dealing with grieving. I did what I told you and all of his feathers all grew back in. I had adopted him out and told the new owners just what to do. I saw him about a month ago and he looked awesome. Also spraying him down at least once a day Will help so he will want to preen his feathers instead of pucking them out. That will be the next step.
2007-02-03 00:07:24 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Parakeets molt. This is a process where the old feathers fall out and new ones grow. Sometimes they will molt gradually..a feather here, a feather there..but sometimes many will fall out at once. You will begin to see little bumps in the bald patch...they will gradually grow out in little stalks. These will be tender because the growing feather is inside. Take care that he does not damage them, if for some reason one is damaged and bleeds it is best to pull the feather..head feathers do not usually have this problem..but major flight feathers and tail feathers could if an accident occurs (I never had this happen..so don't let it scare you). After the feather is mature...the outer layer of the stalk will flake off...and look like dandruff, and you'll have new clean feathers! If he's a baby...with stripes down to the cere, you'll notice his stripes "receed" with age, and this one way you can tell a baby from adult. Enjoy your bird :)
2007-02-02 04:06:34 · answer #2 · answered by Jennifer B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Has there been a change to his diet? Is he an older bird? Birds do tend to bald as they age. It could also be stress induced or bordom. Try introducing some new toys and make an bigger effort to let him know that he has not ben abandoned. This should take care of the problem. If not, I would take him to an avaian vet. Hope this helps
2007-02-02 04:02:53 · answer #3 · answered by cliff_dweller 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋