parakeet losing head feathers?

Question

my 16 + years old parakeet has suddenly lost a number of head feathers rest of his body is perfect

the female died about 4 years ago

he is not scratching
he is eating normal

he is not a budgerigar, he's a plumbhead parakeet

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c250/mouseatthebusstop/Nov2007067.jpg

Answer 1

Sounds like a stress reaction. Have you made any changes lately? Moved the cage? Anyone new staying in the house? Given him less attention for some reason.

Birds are highly intelligent, maybe more intelligent that monkeys and some apes. Consequently they have complex personalities. Something has upset him and you need to find out what, but first have a vet examine him for mites. Long shot if he hasn't been in contact with other birds lately but it can cause this.

Answer 2

Sounds like he is just moulting

Moulting – this is a natural occurrence and it’s how a bird renews its plumage each year. The budgerigar, unlike most birds, does not moult at regular intervals. The budgie’s first moult is at the age of ten or twelve weeks, but is rather erratic. It may moult completely and quickly, or just cast a few feathers now and again. October is the usual month for the moult but it may last for as long as 8 weeks. During the moult, it is important to protect the birds from draughts, as they are very susceptible to chills at this time, and extra food should be provided to help maintain health and resistance to disease. However, the opportunity should be provided for them to bathe, as feathers require moisture for proper growth.
If he is stressed or showing any illness then proper vet treatment may be required, but sounds like he might just be moulting.

Answer 3

A sudden change of diet does make budgies go into a "forced moult" and this appears to be what happening in your case. Hamster food as you know is not designed for budgies and you have already noticed how quickly your bird ate its food once you gave it. Try and remember to keep extra seed at home for times like this, as your budgie could very well have become ill enough to die due to lack of food. Take some seed out of the new pack and store it away in a sealed container in your pantry or fridge. Then next time you may run out you have that emergency supply. If the food isnt right a budgie will starve very easily.

Answer 4

If your parakeet is scratching it's head constantly, it has mites or fleas.

You will need to dust your bird to get rid of the pests. Sevin Dust, available at KMart, Walmart and home and garden stores in the gardening department, will solve the problem. Because it is made from dried Chrysanthemum flowers, it won't hurt your bird.

Thoroughly clean the cage then sprinkle the dust all over your bird, being careful not to get it in it's eyes, nose and mouth. As it only kills the bugs and not the eggs, you will need to repeat once every few days for a couple of weeks.

Answer 5

at this time of year all birds go through a moult. The picture doesn't show significant feather loss. BTW it is a 'plumhead' inasmuch as his head is plum coloured, not a 'plumbhead' like a plumber.

Answer 6

If there is not mate it could just be a moult. As birds get older they moult differently. If there are no signs of pins growing in then I would take your bird to the vet. It could be sick. Have blood work and cultures done.

Answer 7

This could be a molt, or PBFD (Psittacine beak & Feather Disease)

PBFD is not cureable and there is no method of diagnosis, but some symptoms are feather loss and loss of appetite.

How is the bird eating?

More than likely, though, it's just a molt. :)

Answer 8

Does he live with a mate? If so she could be plucking him.

Answer 9

she is just molting