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I have a 2 year old single canary. he recently started holding up and picking at his feet. He also has a little bald patch on his head. He is eating and drinking. He is less active but is still singing
Optional Information: Pet's Gender: Male Pet's Age: 2 Type of Animal: canary Already Tried: partially covering his cage to keep him warm and quiet
Hello,some additional information will help me to answer your question.Do your canary's legs look scaly?What does the skin on the bald patch of his head look like?Check around his beak. any scaliness or flaking there?Thank you.Anna
Anna,
His legs are a little scaly. The skin on th e bald patch is pink like his normal skin. I also noted he seems to have a little feather loss around the eyes. We just love the little guy and want to make sure he is ok.
Thank you Anna
Thank you for getting back to me. You do have cause for concern. The symptoms you're seeing often indicate an infestation with a parasite called scaly mites. They often occur on the legs and around the beak. Topical medications don't work too well on these because the mites causing the scale are burrowed into the bird's beak, where the medications don't reach them. The best solution is to make an appointment with an avian vet to get a definite diagnosis and prescription treatment.Of course, there are other possibilities that a vet will explore. There are several reasons that canaries lose their feathers on their heads. While mites are quite common, nutrient deficiencies and insufficient light can contribute to the problem.There are also some diseases that can cause it.Many commercial canary foods are not adequate. Pelleted foods are best, XXXXX XXXXX's a good idea to add some fresh foods. Eggs are especially useful when birds are losing feathers. Try giving your canary some mashed boiled egg with the completely crushed shell. You can add a few pieces of finely chopped green vegetables such as cucumber and cabbage. Birds need full-spectrum lighting (like the sun) every day in order to produce vitamin D in their bodies. Sunlight coming through a window doesn't work because the glass filters out some of the important rays. Without enough vitamin D, a canary can't utilize calcium properly, and feather loss on the head is one of the first signs. If you live in a warm southern climate, you can set the cage outside in the sun for an hour or so, but watch carefully to be sure he don't get overheated and that no predators bother him. It's best to sit out there with him.Skin infections can also be to blame. There are also internal parasites, such as worms or protozoans, that can cause feather loss. However, because of the leg symptoms as well as the feather loss, scaly mites seem most likely. This link will help you find an avian vet:http://www.birdsnways.com/birds/vets.htmIf you have more questions, just let me know by clicking on REPLY. Anna(If you find my answer helpful, please click on ACCEPT. Thank you.)
Experience: Have owned and/or raised parakeets, finches, cockatiels, and poultry over a period of thirty years.