Conference 7.286::pet_birds

537.0. "white flakes?" by SWAM1::PEDERSON_PA (Hey man, dig this groovy scene!) Mon Apr 22 1991 11:40

    Hi all,
    
    I'm new to bird ownership. We have a 3 month old peach-front
    conure named Pancho. Lately I've noticed some white flakes
    (like dandruff) on his feathers by his neck. There used to
    be a few on his belly area, but since he's taking a "bath"
    in a pie plate twice a week, they've disappeared.
    
    Is it possible for birds to get dry or flaky skin? We also
    have a dog ( an Australian Shepherd ) so are not new to dry
    skin problems, but I wasn't sure about birds.
    
    Also, when he's out and sitting on my finger, I've sort of
    tapped his neck and a couple of "flakes" fell on a dark surface.
    They don't move or look uniform (I thought they might be mites).
    
    Do birds get dry skin? What supplements should I use if this
    is the case? Should I make sure he gets *all* parts of his body
    wet when he's bathing?
    
    thanks!!
    
    pat (and Pancho and Nikoma)
    

    Pancho, is probably going through a molt and the white flakes are the
    feather sleeves. Sleeve may not be the right term, but they are a
    protective covering for the growing feathers which fall off as the
    feather grows.
    
    Doug

    Thanks, Doug, for the explanation.....
    
    pat  :-)