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Canary losing head/neck feathers, itchy, fluffed. Is it parasites?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Canary | Female | 3 months and 14 days old

Hi. I’ve had a canary for 2-weeks and it has been moulting but has lost the feathers off the back of its head and neck. Is that normal during moulting ? It’s also itchy and is fluffed up lots . It’s a red factor canary. It is still eating and drinking. I’m wondering if it has parasites ?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Todd Cecil

Answered By Todd Cecil

Veterinarian

Published on April 15th, 2019

Thanks for reaching out about Tweety. Feather mites are a possibility, especially is you observe heavy scratching on the back of the neck. Mites are usually contagious, so either a new bird or a new bird added. If the feather loss or itching continues, a veterinarian visit should be scheduled.
Good luck.
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