Meyers Parrot scratched feathers out around its eyes.

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Meyers Parrot scratched feathers out around its eyes.

by Linda Green
(Stoughton, Ma)

my meyers parrot has scratched the feathers out around his eyes and is now working on his left ear area. He otherwise seems fine. he is eating and playing normally. He is the only bird in the house and I have had him or her for 6 yrs. I am actually not sure of its sex.

The bird has never done this before and has never been sick. This bird has always lived in the same apartment and has always had the same base food. It does eat other foods other than the base ZuPreem.

What should I do first? could it be mites even though he is the only bird? If it is the heat in the apartment should i put a pan of water close or buy a humidifier? Do you think this will stop on its own? Will the feathers grow back in after the issue is resolved? Thanks for any help you can give.

Comments for
Meyers Parrot scratched feathers out around its eyes.

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Feb 16, 2011

Bird scratching eyes
by: The Avian Vet

You need to take your bird in for an exam. This could be a sinus infection or other illness. I do not think it is mites. It could be dry skin and a humidifier would help with that. But do not wait for it to go away on its own. Take him in.

Dr B

Feb 16, 2011

Meyers Parrot scratched feathers out around its eyes.
by: Linda

First of all, you will need to throw the ZuPreem away and get an organic pellet. This could be many things and especially an allergy to the dye, pesticide/fertilizer residue and preservatives in the ZuPreem. Several brands of organic pellets are carried here, and since your bird is already used to eating pellets he should take right to any one of them. We use Harrison's with some of the Golden Feast Goldn'obles mixed in for variety.

You will also need to take bird to Avian Vet to rule out physical causes for this like mites or other skin problems. Mist your bird down a few times a week using warm water in a plastic plant sprayer. Get a new one, do not use one that has had plant food in it or anything else in it. Just moisten bird down several times a week, keep the heat down where it is not stuffy in apartment.

Before starting any misting, make sure bird has been examined by an Avian Vet. Mites can get on birds who live alone because mites come from outside or in on people's shoes and clothing. Have bird checked out for mites and any other physical problems like infections etc.

I think a lot of this is diet based, so get some organic pellets right away and start feeding your bird safe food. I started to feed Zupreem until I read ingredients. My Amazons eat Harrison's with some Golden Feast Goldn'obles mixed in and organic veggies suggested on Harrison's bag. Keep all organics refrigerated and take out a meal's worth about half an hour before feeding so it can warm to room temperature.

Thanks for writing,
Linda

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