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Why is my Indian Ringneck balding around its head, neck, and eyes?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Bird | Unknown - Bird | Male | 5 years and 3 months old

Hello, I have a male Indian Ringneck, he is about 4-5 years old and I hand raised him from when he is a baby, he molts every year as per normal but this time it is really bad and he has had a bald patch on his head and is balding around his neck and eyes I dont know what to do. The bald areas have not shown much sign of recovery for the past 4 months. Can you please help

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM

Answered By Emi Knafo, DVM, DACZM

Veterinarian, Board-Certified Zoological Medicine Specialist

Published on January 3rd, 2018

Hello. If Obie has a mate, that bird could be plucking the head feathers. However, the feather loss around the eyes does not fit with mutual grooming/courtship behavior. This pattern of feather loss suggests some sort of skin infection, infestation, or inflammation. I would be sure to provide appropriate humidity to stimulate proper grooming behaviors, watch for any rubbing of his head or face on cage items or displays of itchiness/scratching. Beyond that, it will be necessary for a veterinarian to examine him and maybe run some tests on the skin to look for bacteria, yeasts, parasites, etc. That way, the best treatment can be started for Obie.
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