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My budgie's feathers are frayed and skin is dry. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | 1 year old

Hi, My budgie has a feather condition: the small feathers on the back and tummy look rotted at the edges. He doesn't have bald patches. He grooms a lot(several times a day), but i know budgies do that, it's not clear for me how often. On one leg, the skin was exfoliating, but the legs look normal, no white spots. Also, he has a brown spot on the cere, is that normal? I have attached photos. Thank you so much!

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Answered By Miranda Sadar, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian

Published on September 10th, 2018

Thanks for your question about The Little, and thank you for the photos - they are very helpful! The fraying at the edges of the feathers can be due to him overgrooming, but it may also be due to the feathers being on the body too long (basically a molting interval that is too long). When that happens, the feather can lose some of its strength and can be damaged more easily. These conditions are often a result of stress or nutrition. In budgies, the most common nutritional deficiency that results in this is a lack of vitamin A, which is typically found with seed diets. Ideally, budgies would eat a combination of at least 50% pellets, and the remaining 50% can be made of produce and a small amount of seeds. Vitamin A deficiency can also result in the skin being dry and flaky, and it can also look irritated or red. This may be contributing to the changes that you are seeing on the face and feet as well.
Alternatively, there are some parasites that affect feathers and skin, however if this is the case you have caught it early. I would recommend considering a diet change if applicable, and a wellness evaluation for The Little with your veterinarian to get a thorough physical examination performed.
I hope that gives you a place to start, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
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Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Todd Cecil

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 22nd, 2019

    Thanks for reaching out about Quiz and including a photo. Feather molting can also be due to stress or disease. Your diet and husbandry appear very good. Maybe provide a little more vegetable protein (beans, legumes), for feather growth. Diseases such as polyoma or PBFD are possible and if feather loss continues, should be tested for. If continued to be concerned, a veterinary visit is recommended.
    Good luck.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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