My conure scratches its head often. Is it mites, lice, or stress?

You can mist him with warm water to encourage preening. This will promote healthy plunage. If he continues to itch, it may due to mites or infection. These would require an exam with your veterinarian for confirmation. Mites can be treated with an over the counter spray. Read labels v\carefully to confirm the chosen product can be used on birds. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, perches and toys. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Change the cage paper daily. If an infection (bacterial or fungal) is diagnosed, your vet can prescribe the appropriate medication.

Thanks for reaching out about Brooksie. Molting usually occurs in spring but abnormal molts due to stress, dietary deficiencies and metabolic disorders are possible. Birds tend to scratch and groom themselves a lot, but usually not to the loss of feathers. Mites are very small and difficult to see with the naked eye. Giardia is not common. There are some viral diseases that are possible that can manifest as feather weakness/loss. If continues a veterinary visit is recommended. A review of the diet can be helpful as parakeets need much more than just seed, including a wide variety of vegetables and a plant protein source. Good luck.

Scratching can be for a very large number of reasons including normal molting (which will result in the loss of feathers, which you may be seeing, and the growing in of new ones, or pin-looking feathers poking out of the skin), mites or other parasites on the skin, allergies, nutritional issues, infections, and more. Taking a look under the feathers for any signs of pin feathers can let you know if this is a normal molt. Some whitish debris is normal (bird dander) however if you are seeing lots of flecks of "stuff", redness, visible parasites, etc, then it can indicate mites or lice which should be treated with a spray. If you are seeing visible wounds, redness, injuries, etc, it could indicate a wound, infection, or allergy which should be examined by and treated by a vet in your area. Allergies may also be treatable by ensuring the cage and environment around Sugar are kept clean and dust-free. Nutritional issues and illness may also cause scratching, however you may see other problems such as changes in weight, eating or drinking habits, stool, behavior, etc in addition to scratching. If you suspect this may be the case, having a vet take a look is best.

If you suspect a parasite such as mites most pet stores carry a commercial mite spray that can be used on birds to treat mites. Placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Sky is also a good idea to keep her from picking at the spot while it heals (Google has tutorials on how to make bird-sized ones at home) If the problem persists, it would be good to have her examined by a vet. If you're having trouble affording care, this site may help give you some ideas to make vet care more affordable so Sky can get the help she needs: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care

Thanks for reaching out about Pinky. Molting is an itchy period of time. Do you see any skin damage? Bleeding? Feather mites could also be a concern. If the problem persists or worsens, a veterinary visit is recommended. Good luck.

If your bird is otherwise acting normally and healthy, it is possible it may be a molt, especially if you are seeing feathers coming back in already. Other possible causes to look for are plucking, as you suggested, as well as parasites such as mites/lice. Making sure your bird is in an area that is low stress (aka, he has a chance to relax quietly when he needs to) can help as well as looking for/treating any possible mites. If the bald patch increases, the feathers don't regrow, or you see other issues, then having a vet take a look is best.

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.