Attacking chest, but not plucking

[ScubaChase77]

Hey all, I have a long billed cockatoo named Gino. Recently he has picked up a strange habit of attacking his chest, as if something were on him. At first I thought he was vigorously picking his feathers (as he is a recovered plucker for a few years now), but he definitely does not seem to be plucking, and no feathers are coming out. He will attack his chest so hard sometimes it will knock him off balance. Any thoughts? I will probably take him to the vet just to be safe

 

[jenphilly]

Is his skin normal color? Could be mites or bacterial, but think you would see skin irritation.

Any chance the home is dry with winter weather and heating? Not sure where you are but know dry air is a problem here in PA.

Just my thoughts at 2 am....

 

[Frumpydumple]

Sounds like mites.