Scratchy Budgie

[Jasmine333]

The past couple of days I've noticed Oliver scratching and biting and wonder if it could be lice/mites. Is there anything maybe to add to his water or food to help him repel these things if that's what it is?

 

[charmedbyekkie]

Is it more than his normal preening behaviour? Is he molting? When was the last time he bathed?

It's not often domesticated parrots get lice/mites, and typically you'd be able to see them when you interact with him.

Do NOT give him any meds/treatment without an AVIAN vet prescribing it.

Parrots are not mammals like cats or dogs. They are avians - their physiology is very different. Over-the-counter stuff isn't really done for birds.

If you are concerned, please visit an avian vet to get a proper diagnosis, rather than Dr. Google. You can find one here: https://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803

 

[Jasmine333]

Is it more than his normal preening behaviour? Is he molting? When was the last time he bathed?

It's not often domesticated parrots get lice/mites, and typically you'd be able to see them when you interact with him.

Do NOT give him any meds/treatment without an AVIAN vet prescribing it.

Parrots are not mammals like cats or dogs. They are avians - their physiology is very different. Over-the-counter stuff isn't really done for birds.

If you are concerned, please visit an avian vet to get a proper diagnosis, rather than Dr. Google. You can find one here: https://www.aav.org/search/custom.asp?id=1803[/Q

I've seen him molting some, but most of his scratching and seems to be mostly in the morning. I got a bath tub from Petco but it doesn't attach to the cage and can only sit on the bottom. I've put good warm water in it but Oliver I think sees it as something to drink from and has not bathed in it. So I've had him 8 days and he has not bathed.

 

[noodles123]

Never ever add meds to water---and never do anything without a CAV's permission.
Adding drugs to water makes it impossible to know how much your bird is getting and it can also cause them to drink less water if they dislike the taste.
Birds drink so little that it is impossible to accurately monitor A-drug dosage and B- water consumption.

How is the humidity in your home? (what percent)?
Do you use any irritants (household cleaners, candles, air fresheners, smoke, perfumes etc can make them itch and hurt their respiratory systems severely).
A molt is possible--do you spray him at all or provide a bath? EDIT--- I see the thing about the bath, but he is probably too scared to go in right away...SLOW MOTION=parrots.
Do you have anything on your hands that could be transferring to his feathers (lotions, nicotine etc)?

You have only had him 8 days---he doesn't need to have bathed but that may be why he is itchy.
Don't do anything to stress him out too much.. as it is early in your relationship. Once you have better trust, you might try spraying him lightly with water. In the meantime, I would get a safe humidifier (not one of those ultra-sonic ones) and fill it with distilled water. 50-55% should be your goal humidity if possible.

 

[Jasmine333]

Never ever add meds to water---and never do anything without a CAV's permission.
Adding drugs to water makes it impossible to know how much your bird is getting and it can also cause them to drink less water if they dislike the taste.
Birds drink so little that it is impossible to accurately monitor A-drug dosage and B- water consumption.

How is the humidity in your home? (what percent)?
Do you use any irritants (household cleaners, candles, air fresheners, smoke, perfumes etc can make them itch and hurt their respiratory systems severely).
A molt is possible--do you spray him at all or provide a bath? EDIT--- I see the thing about the bath, but he is probably too scared to go in right away...SLOW MOTION=parrots.
Do you have anything on your hands that could be transferring to his feathers (lotions, nicotine etc)?

You have only had him 8 days---he doesn't need to have bathed but that may be why he is itchy.
Don't do anything to stress him out too much.. as it is early in your relationship. Once you have better trust, you might try spraying him lightly with water. In the meantime, I would get a safe humidifier (not one of those ultra-sonic ones) and fill it with distilled water. 50-55% should be your goal humidity if possible.

I live in South Central Oklahoma, and the specific place where I'm at is known to be high in allergens. Many cedars, oaks and who knows what else here. Plus a lot of high humidity. Oliver seems to do most of his scratching and preening in the morning, not quite as much as the day progresses. No I don't use a lot of cleansers, air fresheners, etc.