My cockatiel won't bathe. Will he get mites if I don't force him?

Some scaling is natural, however making sure Pixel is on a balanced diet and doesn't have parasites are two things you can do. Malnutrition can sometimes cause problems with the feet, such as with low vitamin levels. Some parasites such as mites can also cause scaling of the feet, so if you suspect this may be the case (IE he's itching a lot, you see flecks of stuff, etc), a mite spray can be used to treat it. If he doesn't like baths, you might see if he enjoys being misted with a warm water bottle set to mist as this may be less scary than a bath and still encourage him to preen and stay clean. If the scaling worsens or you see any visible wounds or injuries on the feet, having a vet take a look to rule out any more serious issues is best.

Thanks for reaching out about Bobo. It is fine to bath him as long as it is a warm environment in which to warm and dry. If the itching persists, a veterinary visit is needed to discuss nutrition and other possibilities. Good luck.

Not all birds will bathe all the time or even enjoy taking a bath. You can set a dish of clean shallow water in the cage and give them a chance to check it out and bathe themselves. Some birds also enjoy being misted with a cool spray bottle (not directly aimed at them) instead of a bath. However, if your birds are otherwise clean and healthy, I wouldn't worry too much.

Give your cockatiel 2-3 days time to get used to his new home. When he is calm and feels comfortable you can introduce a bird bath for him. Give him time to get to know that too. Your bird should be fine.

Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, toys and perches. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Use ain paper on the cage bottom and change it daily or more frequently if needed. Bathe or mist Ashy in warm water to promote preening and healthy plumage. Without a firm diagnosis of the underlying cause, it is difficult to provide more specific advice. Potential causes include infection (bacterial, fungal, viral or parasites), boredom, stress/anxiety or even malnutrition.

You can definitely use a warm water mist from a spray bottle and see if your budgie enjoys it. If he moves away or acts scared, it may be a little too much for him. The water should be warm enough to be comfortable, but not too hot it burns. Testing it on yourself first is smart. Another option is to place a shallow dish filled with warm water in it for your budgie to bathe himself. Most budgies enjoy having a bath to play in. The water should be changed daily or as needed if it becomes dirty.

It would depend on the type of parasite. If you are concerned she may have mites, have her examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. There are over-the-counter sprays that can be used to treat most mites on or off the bird. You can find these products in your local pet store. Read label directions very carefully before using. A warm bath or misting will encourage preening and promotes healthy skin and plumage. Do not use any soap or shampoo. Keep her away from cold drafts when she is wet or damp. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, perches and toys. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Change cage paper or substrate daily.