Expert: Chrys Meatyard - 8/15/2008

Question
I have a parakeet that is about 9 years old now. He has flaky and dry feet and it seems to be very irritating to him.  He is continuously itching them. I don't want to take him to a vet because he has never left my house and is old.  Please help!  Any suggestions that you might have would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Hi, Tara,

How often does your keet bathe?  You might try placing a dish of water in his cage with some aloe vera in it and see if the bird will at least stand in the water.  If not, try spray misting your bird (or just the feet) with warm water with some aloe vera mixed in.  Don't use anything on your bird's feet/legs that might be harmful to him if he would consume it.    

Is it possible your bird might have scaly-face mites?  You can Google this for more information.  These look like warts on a keet's feet/legs and can be around the skin on the bird's beak.  Be sure the room where you keep your keet in has sufficient humidity in order to help relieve this dryness.

Sometimes birds will pick at their feet/legs if something else is amiss, such as pain/discomfort in their legs/feet/shoulders (that they think they can alleviate if they pick at their feet).  Also, be sure your bird's perches are comfortable and that you have a variety in the cage.  Birds spend their lives on their feet and need comfortable perches, as well as a variety of sizes, in order to keep their legs/feet healthy.

Chrys


Chrys