cockatiels itching/ lost feathers

[thunderwings]

hey folks. i have 2 5yr. old cockatiels. since I've had them they itch and preen constantly. one has lost some of his feathers under his wings. they aren't plucking but fall out on their own and its red and dry there. they itch like a dog getting bit by fleas. they have some dandruff but i can't see any parasites. I've limited their seed intake and feed roudybush pellets as their main food. they won't eat any fruits or veggies I've tried to feed them. could it be just dry skin? its hard to check them well as they're very aggressive and hate to be handled thanks to their previous owner. got them through a bird rescue so i have no past history on them. any advice appreciated!

 

[thunderwings]

I've also put a bowl of warm water 1x week for them to bathe in so they're fairly clean. lol!

 

[Flboy]

A, more baths. B, mites?

 

[thunderwings]

how do you identify mites? can you see them? id bring them to the vet but she's 60 mi. away. they're healthy otherwise.

 

[SilverSage]

My first thought is mites as well, but you need to take them to the vet. I'm sorry it's such a long trek, but they really do need to go. Any time you start noticing feather loss and it isn't w normal molt they need to go. Especially since you Can actually see the red itchy skin. It could be mites. A skin infection, or a number of other things. Please take them to an Avian Certified vet right away.

 

[thunderwings]

well i brought them to the vet. seems they have a bad case of dry skin. mostly because they won't eat fresh foods. seems like the pellets don't provide enough oils. she gave me some drops to put in their water. hope it helps. thanks for the info. folks!

 

[Aquila]

Look into making some birdie bread, use some coconut oil in it and use pureed fruits and veg, or even some baby food from the store. It's usually pretty successful in sneaking in the good food!

 

[thunderwings]

sounds good! ill give it a try. thanks!

 

[MonicaMc]

If it helps any.... I've had great luck using the "mash" (or chop) method, but I'd imagine using sprouted seeds would work great as well! Just mix in finely chopped vegetables into the sprouts and feed together.

http://www.parrotforums.com/parrot-...7-converting-parrots-healthier-diet-tips.html



You might also want to consider getting a spray bottle or plant mister to bathe your tiels with. Many cockatiels (not all, but many) enjoy a "rain" type of bath, and will do the "rain dance" when they're really enjoying it!



You can also purchase coconut oil and/or red palm oil (you can either buy these from a health food store *OR* pay extra to get the oils specifically for birds ) and mix the oil into their foods that they already eat. It's something like 1 tablespoon of oil to 1 lb of dry food.


Harrison's Bird Foods sells RPO and Avitech sells both RPO and Coconut Oil.

 

[thunderwings]

I've tried spraying them w a fine mist of warm water but they panic slamming into the bars so i stopped that. i got some bird vitamin drops. i put some in their water and food. I've gotten them to eat some pellets but they still won't touch fresh. I've tried many times w/ many mixes of foods. I've tried mixing some of their seeds in the mix and feed that for 2-3 days. they won't eat for the whole time! you would think they would get hungry enough and finally eat it. nope. just as stubborn as my daughter when she was young! lol!

 

[MonicaMc]

Try finding some videos on Youtube of cockatiels taking a bath, then spray near them, but do not spray them directly. See if they show any interest or if they avoid it.



You might try feeding them sprouted seeds.