My parakeet is picking feathers & scratching. Is it molting or mites?

Question

We notice our parakeet is/has been picking her feathers and scratching with her feet around her head and body. For a few days last week it really looked like she was plucking because they were piled up in a corner along with some longer feathers too. This has subsided. Is this a normal molt or because she continues to scratch and preen without pulling them out a sign of mites or guardia? I see very small dots on the bottom of her cage but they don't seem to be alive. Appreciate the help, thanks. Pet's info: Bird | Parakeet | Female | unspayed | 5 months and 19 days old | 0.05 lbs

Todd Cecil · Accepted Answer

Thanks for reaching out about Brooksie. Molting usually occurs in spring but abnormal molts due to stress, dietary deficiencies and metabolic disorders are possible. Birds tend to scratch and groom themselves a lot, but usually not to the loss of feathers. Mites are very small and difficult to see with the naked eye. Giardia is not common. There are some viral diseases that are possible that can manifest as feather weakness/loss. If continues a veterinary visit is recommended. A review of the diet can be helpful as parakeets need much more than just seed, including a wide variety of vegetables and a plant protein source. Good luck.

My parakeet is picking feathers & scratching. Is it molting or mites?

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