Mites

[gourdlady247]

I have been noticing lately that Grorge has been using his foot toys to scratch him self. Expectly on the back of his head. Could it be that he has mites? and is there something i can buy over the counter for them. And would it hurt to treat him for mites wether he has them or not.

[Gryphon]

I don't know about mites, but thought I'd let you know that Gryphon does this too. I think feathers are itchy by design. Since parrots preen each other in the wild, 9 times out of 10, I'd suspect you just have an itchy bird!

[Gryphon]

P.S. It might help to spritz him with aloe juice and water, maybe put a little in his drinking water too. He'll probably keep scratching his head because it feels good, but you'll keep his skin healthy.

[Animalspirit]

When new feathers come out, they are itchy. Therefor they preen each other. Mites are often seen by wild birds, tropical and aviary birds and doves, but almost never on parrots. Aloé vera can help, but some birds get even more itchy by using that. A daily shower in the morning will also help.

[BaxtersMom]

I'm with the others on this one. Probably itchy skin and as smart as they are they know how to take a toy and use it for a tool or in this case a head scratcher:laugh: My conure will grab the back of his head with his feet and pull his feathers. Baxter has some new pin feathers coming in on the back of his head too and he really likes to be rubbed there now. Your grey might be going through a little molt too. And with winter coming, the air is much drier. I don't think it's anything to worry about but Aloe will probably make their skin feel better and less itchy.