Cockatiel with sticky head

[azbirdlover]

We have a female cockatiel who has a sticky head and no matter how many times we bath her, it won't go away. She got into nothing and don't know where it came from. She has also developed a balding spot on her head and front chest. Anyone have any ides? Thank you

 

[TexDot33]

Welp, the good news is that she physically can't pluck the top of her head! The bad news is that she can't physically pluck the top of her head so it has to be something else ... my guess, it's just a moult - the same thing happened to my Sunny during his first moult. Just watch these areas, and if you start to get really concerned -- avian vet!

The stickiness on her head, that's a new one ... I wonder if it has something to do with the dust/powder these birds produce ... again, if you are getting really concerned about it -- avian vet!

WELCOME TO THE FORUM​

Pull up a perch and make yourself at home

 

[azbirdlover]

Thanks for the response. I was thinking something inside her nesting box but I can't find anything. She seems healthy otherwise. By the way, are you a Red Sox Fan? I'm from Cape Cod (live in Arizona now) and huge fan!

 

[TexDot33]

Ah, the veins of "Red Sox Nation" run very far and very deep ... I, too, suffer the "jump off the bridge if the lose a game in April" syndrome and have, as of yet, to find a cure (2004 ALCS and WS were a great cover for the pain of '86, but that's all it really did ... maybe this year will be my cure!) ... I tell you, it's not just a "Regular Season" but rather, it's 162 game Religious Experience!

 

[birdcrazy]

are you sure she's not regurgitating or vomiting? Misty gets gunk on her face from time to time. about the balding maybe a vet visit is in order.Remember some cockatiel mutations have a natural bald spot right behind the crest I think lutinos and some pieds. How old is she and what mutation? Is she an egg layer? please keep us updated. WELCOME TO THE FORUMS!!!!!

 

[meghanxx4]

I really dont know... i would take it to the vet.

 

[Peta]

Tex I have no idea what you said in your second post, but I agree. Or do I disagree, hmmmmmm

Welcome to the Forum, Nest box? are you breeding her? Do you have any other birds? do any of them have this same thing. The chest could be plucking/molting, and some tiels do have a natural bald spot under the crest (Kelli just said that sorry)

If there really is nothing in the cage/nest box/ that you could find that she may be getting this from, I would take her for a visit with your Avian Vet.

 

[indigo]

Welcome!!​

I don't know why she's got a sticky head, but am also curious as to why she has a nest box. The only time my lovies get their box is when they are expecting eggies. If the nest box is for a place for her to sleep, then something like a cozy hut or whatever they are called would be more appropriate perhaps?

 

[TexDot33]

Tex I have no idea what you said in your second post ...

Peta it's all about American Baseball ... if she is a 'true' Boston Red Sox fan that post will make complete sense to her!

 

[azbirdlover]

You guys/girls are all great and thank you for the responses. Yes, I am a true Red Sox Fan and understand the pain we have to go thru each season yet I still love those boys!! Anyway, momma bird loves being a mom and isn't sitting on any eggs right now but she was when this occured. I read about the vomitting but not sure if she does it as I've never seen her do it. The box is attached to their cage and she only goes in it when she is ready to lay eggs. I am thinking a visit to the vet might be in order just to make sure. We have 19 different birds and no one else has anything like this. Thank you again for the responses and the welcomes. What a great website!! Will be back tonight after work.....

 

[birdcrazy]

I'm so glad you are considering the vet. Sadly many people don't consider this for small birds just because they are so cheap - SOunds like you're a great bird mom

 

[Peta]

Let us know what the vet finds out please,

Look forward to seeing lots of pics of your flock.