Looks underweight and preening a lot

[Alickx08]

My Quaker Mimi that I have had for around 5 months now, (she was 3 years old when I got her) is starting to preen a lot over the last 2 weeks now. I just want to know if that's normal as she's losing a lot of feathers, I've heard of molting with birds but from what I've read it usually only occurs around august. Also she eats a ton like every hour but she looks skinny and underweight. I did the breast bone test to feel for the crest and it feels sharp to me. I would like some advice first before I take her to an avian vet for them to tell me it's nothing to worry about. Also there are a lot of white flakes after she's done preening.

 

[cnyguy]

There's really no set schedule for when a parrot will molt-- it can happen at almost any time of year, sometimes more than once a year. It definitely sounds like Mimi is going through a molt, and those white flakes are probably from new feathers as the sheaths flake off of them.

Not sure about Mimi's weight though. If in doubt, then a vet visit will be a good idea.

 

[Blueridge]

Quakers get this white dandruff like stuff in their feathers. They need baths frequently and it is good to scratch their heads to get the "dandruff" out because birds can't preen the top of their heads very well. In nature, other flock members will preen the birds head. In your bird's case, you are his flock. For a bath, just put some room temperature water in a bowl or something, and put your bird on the edge of it. He will do his business and let you know when he's done. Don't use hot water because that will leech off the natural oils on the parrot's feathers. Don't use cold water or he might get sick. You can also spray him with a spray bottle that has never had any kind of cleaner or anything in it other than water. Be sure he is completely dry before he goes to bed.

He could also be itchy if the air is dry. You may want to try using a humidifier in the room, or better yet you can use a vaporizer which has less a chance to spread mold and bacteria.

If you do give him baths, he might just be molting. I'm not sure about the underweight thing. He could have mites. You may need to visit an avian vet on that.

Good luck!