Cockatiel with a white-patch of pin feathers(?) under his wings

[Zfelis]

I recently adopted a gray male cockatiel, about 2 years old. I found out that he has this white patch of pin(?) feathers underneath his wings. The patch on the left is bigger than the patch on the right. You couldn’t tell visually that there’s a patch there, even when he lifts up his wings. Really had to dig through his feathers to find the patch. But once you see it, you realize that it’s a really big patch that’s covered up by his feathers. Is this some sort of plucking problem? Or is it a type of bacterial infection??

 

[Laurasea]

He certainly trusts you to let you handle him like that! Mine would rip a finger off.

I'm unsure s out this. Could be kidney pain is making him pluck there.. id have a veterinarian check him and do a fecal gram stain.

 

[bug_n_flock]

I wouldn't worry. It is pretty normal to have areas with mostly down feathers under the wings.

 

[Michele27]

I recently adopted a gray male cockatiel, about 2 years old. I found out that he has this white patch of pin(?) feathers underneath his wings. The patch on the left is bigger than the patch on the right. You couldn’t tell visually that there’s a patch there, even when he lifts up his wings. Really had to dig through his feathers to find the patch. But once you see it, you realize that it’s a really big patch that’s covered up by his feathers. Is this some sort of plucking problem? Or is it a type of bacterial infection??

Hi there, my cockatiel has the same thing ALL over his body. You would never know unless he's preening in a way where I can blow on the feathers to expose the huge patches of white blood/pin feathers on both sides. His molting has been going on for MONTHS. What happened with your bird? Did the patches eventually mature and problem solved? Or did you have to bring your bird to the vet?

 

[DonnaBudgie]

Hi there, my cockatiel has the same thing ALL over his body. You would never know unless he's preening in a way where I can blow on the feathers to expose the huge patches of white blood/pin feathers on both sides. His molting has been going on for MONTHS. What happened with your bird? Did the patches eventually mature and problem solved? Or did you have to bring your bird to the vet?

I think these downy patches on cockatiels are normal. If owners of healthy 'tiels examined their birds closely they may see quite a few large areas like this under their wings and on other parts of their bodies. A 'tiel would need to be very tame to allow this kind of exam.
Any PF members with tame, healthy 'tiels- please examine your birds and solve the white downy patch mystery for all of us. Thanks!

 

[Marimarcoco]

Hi, I have my boy with exactly the same, I was really worry thinking he had some kind of disease, bit I saw some cockatiel owners saying their birds have same, so maybe is just normal?

 

[Michele27]

I showed this photo to an online vet and my wing clipper and both said its normal but what is concerning me is they don't seem to be growing, if anything they are starting to look a little chewed down. I am going to have my wing clipper take a look in a few weeks and see if they think it warrants vet visit, or if this is normal.

Anyone else have experience with this? How long did it take for these patches to mature and go away?

 

[Marimarcoco]

I showed this photo to an online vet and my wing clipper and both said its normal but what is concerning me is they don't seem to be growing, if anything they are starting to look a little chewed down. I am going to have my wing clipper take a look in a few weeks and see if they think it warrants vet visit, or if this is normal.

Anyone else have experience with this? How long did it take for these patches to mature and go away?

That is exactly my thoughts, they don't look like growing, and is like they chew them, I was really worry when I saw it.

 

[DonnaBudgie]

That is exactly my thoughts, they don't look like growing, and is like they chew them, I was really worry when I saw it.

I don't think these downy patches are meant to grow or go away. I think they act as a layer of down insulation and also protect the birds' delicate skin from rubbing and chafing. My cockatiel had them as do many PF members' tiels, but I would love to hear what an avian vet has to say about them.

 

[Greenhouseparrots]

Both of my cockatiels have this and they're very happy and healthy so I think it's normal. Even my conures have it, though it's less extreme

 

[Michele27]

I asked my wing clipper to take a look and as long as there are no bald patches, this is totally normal. Bald spots may indicate an issue but if it's underneath its normal. He said Max is super strong and healthy! We just celebrated his 1st birthday this week - time flies!! Thank you to everyone who chimed in!

 

[Marimarcoco]

I asked my wing clipper to take a look and as long as there are no bald patches, this is totally normal. Bald spots may indicate an issue but if it's underneath its normal. He said Max is super strong and healthy! We just celebrated his 1st birthday this week - time flies!! Thank you to everyone who chimed in!

Hi Michele27, so happy that your boy is doing great, yes it looks is normal, I really got so scared.
Happy birthday to the boy😍

 

[DonnaBudgie]

I asked my wing clipper to take a look and as long as there are no bald patches, this is totally normal. Bald spots may indicate an issue but if it's underneath its normal. He said Max is super strong and healthy! We just celebrated his 1st birthday this week - time flies!! Thank you to everyone who chimed in!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MAX!