Why is my parakeet itching, plucking feathers, and has a crusty face?

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.

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

I strongly recommend contacting a vet for treatment of knemidokoptic mange or scaly face mites. Most mite preparations or cage protectors sold in pet stores are ineffective and some may even be toxic to birds. Because of their small size, medications that can effectively treat this condition in bird typically have to be compounded for a safe and effective dose. Overdosing parasiticides can easily be fatal in budgies. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/knemidokoptic-mange-or-scaly-leg-and-face-disease-in-birds http://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/pet-birds/parasitic-diseases-of-pet-birds It is important to completely clean the cage, typically it is recommended to remove and replace any wooden perches or toys. Good luck. Thank you for using PetCoach. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=3068

Hello! There are several issues that might be going on with your bird. Mites are a common cause of feather loss on the face. There are certain bacterial and fungal infections that can cause this as well. I noticed that your parakeet also has a cagemate - is it possible that the other bird is over-preening this bird? The only way to determine the cause of the issue is to visit your veterinarian - preferably, a vet that is comfortable treating birds, or a bird-specific vet. The vet will likely take feather and skin samples from your bird and look at them under the microscope to try to determine the cause. There isn't much that you can safely do at home to treat mites, bacteria, or fungi, so visiting your vet is the best way to get your bird the treatment he needs. Best of luck!

Hello, Parakeets do commonly contract the external parasite Knemidocoptes. I would recommend taking Pineapple into your veterinarian to be seen. They can examine her, weigh her, and determine the best anti-parasitic medication for her case. It generally requires a few doses of the medication over a period of weeks to kill every life stage of the mite. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

He may have mites or a bacterial infection. There is also a serious viral infection that can cause similar symptoms. Have your bird examined by your veterinarian or an experienced avian vet as soon as you can get an appointment. If your bird is caged with others, separate him until a diagnosis is made in case his condition is infectious.

Angel is beautiful, thankfully his cere looks a nice healthy colour. It is not uncommon for the beak to flake a little depending what part of the keratin cycle he is in . As for the crusts, these are most commonly due to a little mite that borrows under the skin. Known as scaly beak, it is caused by knemedicoptes mites. To treat it you need an ivermectin based drop, many vets stock a product called xeno which you apply to the skin. I would weigh him to ensure appropriate dosing. If you are concerned he seems dull or symptoms are worsening you should take him to an avian vet.