My lovebird is itching and pulling feathers. What can I use?

Poor little guy! He very possibly has scaly mites. Ideally he should be seen by an avian veterinarian, but there is an over-the-counter product called Avimec that is a drop-on remedy for scaly mites. These mites only live on the body, so you don't have to treat the cage as well, but it would be a good idea to take it apart anyway and give it a good deep cleaning just to be safe. Plenty of soap and hot water and thorough rinsing will work. Good luck with him.

Treating feather picking really depends on the underlying cause. Mites can be a possibility, and you may see an increase in itching, redness of the skin, or visible flecks of "stuff" on the skin or feather base. Most pet stores carry a mite spray that can be used to treat this. If you see visible wounds or oozing on the skin, it could indicate something more serious such as an illness or skin infection which should be looked at by a vet. If the plucking is around the vent, this can sometimes indicate an internal parasite or digestive upset causing issue. Boredom can also sometimes cause feather plucking. Adding in more enrichment such as fun puzzle toys, toys that can be preened instead, or even spending more time together can help reduce boredom behavior and feather plucking. Moving the cage to a lower traffic area without pets or people bothering Kiwi as much can also help. if you can't seem to find a cause, home treatment doesn't work, or the problem worsens, seeking veterinary care is always best.

You can put an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Birdy to keep her from scratching the spot - googling how to make a bird sized one with a paper plate is a great at-home thing you can do, however with the severity of that injury and how rapidly it is spreading, I would seek out a veterinary exam in person ASAP. It is possible there is an infection, or other nutritional/disease process going on that requires additional treatment such as flushing the affected site, giving antibiotics, etc, so seeking vet care is best.

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.

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.

If you suspect Mittu has a skin infection you will need to bring her into your local vet for an exam and for a prescription of antibiotics to help treat it- this may be either oral or in a cream form that can be placed directly on the affected area. You can also use a clean washcloth to gently clean the area and keep it free of debris until it can be examined. It is best to rule out other causes of feather picking as well such as parasites, boredom, malnutrition, etc, which is why it is important to have a vet take a look first before attempting to treat it. Moving Mittu to a hospital cage if she is housed with other birds can also help prevent her from being picked on until she is feeling better.

The use of aloe vera on birds is controversial. Depending on who you ask, you may get a yes or no. Personally, I use only plain water to bathe my birds (African Greys). The itching may be due to mites (which you mayor may not be able to see), bacterial infection, viral infection or nutritional deficiency. By your description, it sounds as if Naomi may be bored, stressed or both. At her age, allowing flight would not be recommended. It looks like you may have an Indian ringneck or Alexandrine parrot based on the partial image. These birds typically aren't weaned until closer to 10 weeks of age. Weaning is a very stressful time for a chick and can also be a cause for her behavior.