My itchy birdie

[Moriah.C]

Hello everyone, I'm new here and would love some advice as I can't seem to figure out what to do with my 2 year old cockatiel. I used to live in Missouri where it was very humid and my bird thrived there. I moved to Colorado last year in the summer and from the lack of humidity and going through this winter, the dry weather has really gotten to my tiel. His neck is quite red and I've noticed he itches his back often then yelps as he bites himself. He is not missing feathers so I don't think he is plucking YET but I can't get him to stop itching. I have tried bath spray, I have tried humidifiers, I've put him in a steaming room to see if that would help, and recently he won't even bathe anymore. He used to love showers now I can't get him in the water. He acts normal (besides the extra itching), very lively and vocal but I'm worried and need advice! Thank you!

 

[Jen5200]

I would check in with an avian vet if you have access to one - some may do phone consults if they are not seeing patients right now. I found some older threads on dry skin that may have ideas that you haven’t tried yet as well. I haven’t experienced this with my birds personally so can’t offer much experienced advice - I live in the PNW and lack of humidity isn’t really an issue here...growing moss on everything is an issue but not dryness .

http://www.parrotforums.com/questions-answers/25838-dry-skin-help.html
http://www.parrotforums.com/general-health-care/80714-moisturizer-bare-parrot-skin.html#post812709

 

[Scott]

You mention Koko doesn't like showers any more, are you speaking of a human shower or sink/spray bottle?

One way to re-introduce showers if you have not tried is via small spray bottle. The type with adjustable nozzle sold at "dollar stores" is ideal. (try not to re-purpose a used bottle that contained potentially hazardous substances) Fill the bottle with warm water and begin to spray with fine mist. You can position the bottle several inches away and aim upwards and towards Koko, allowing the droplets to fall like rain. If he enjoys, you can acclimate him towards a more direct and course spray by varying the nozzle.