What are the common skin conditions in birds?
Bird and poultry feathers have similar structural components to hooves, nails, skin, hair and fur on other animals. Birds and poultry require similar nutrients for the maintenance of healthy skin and feathers. Healthy feathers protect birds from extreme temperature, especially the cold. Birds can develop dry, flaky and irritable skin, as well as unzippered feathers, stress bars or poor feather pigmentation. Nutrition plays a key role in ensuring your bird’s skin and feathers stay healthy all year round.
There are a number of diseases and disorders that can affect a bird’s skin and feathers. Some may be inherited, while others, such as parasites, can be contracted. Knowing which are serious and what to do if they occur can greatly improve a bird's comfort and even save its life.
Some of the more common skin and feather disorders are:
What are my options for treating skin and coat or feather conditions?
There are many options for ensuring your pet has healthy skin and a shiny coat or feathers. You may just want them to look their best or they may have a condition that is causing skin and coat problems.
Since dermatitis could result from a variety of causes (an allergy or other ongoing irritant, the animal’s lifestyle, food intake, etc) the right treatment option depends on the cause of the problem.
Product recommendations:
Feather cysts
Feather cysts appear as oval or elongated swellings involving a single or several feather follicles. Although they may occur anywhere, they most commonly are found involving the primary feathers of the wings.
A feather cyst occurs when a growing feather is unable to protrude through the skin and curls within the follicle. As the feather continues to grow, the mass enlarges and a cheesy, exudative material composed of keratin accumulates.
Although feather cysts may be seen in all species, the highest incidence is in Blue and Gold Macaws (native to Central and South America) and certain breeds of canaries.
It is thought these feather cysts may be the result of an inherited predisposition - as in certain species of canaries – or acquired as a result of infection or trauma involving the feather follicle.
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Baldness
Baldness is an acquired loss of feathers on the head commonly seen in canaries. A hormonal imbalance and genetics are believed to be responsible.
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Feather picking
If you notice your bird suddenly missing feathers or deliberately damaging them they may have been picking at their feathers. If excessive, long-term feather picking occurs, it may cause follicular damage and the absence of feather re-growth. A balding bird has lost some of its thermoregulatory abilities and is probably undergoing some stress.
If your bird seems to be perpetually feather-picked either by itself or by its overly affectionate mate, keep in mind that its quantitative nutrient needs increase. At these times, it requires a higher level of protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, similar to that which is needed during the normal moulting period.
Behavioral picking is a diagnosis usually reached after other causes have been ruled out.
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Brown hypertrophy
This condition is commonly seen in budgies. The cere (the structure containing the nostrils) hypertrophies, becoming cornified and keratinised. It may develop a prominent "hornlike" appearance.
This condition is most common in female birds and is believed to be associated with breeding in females and estrogen secreting gonadal tumours in males.
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Polyfollicles, Polyfolliculitis
Polyfollicles is the growth of multiple feather shafts from one follicle. It may cause no problems or may be associated with chronic inflammation in feathers and skin. An itchy polyfolliculitis has been seen in lovebirds and budgies. The tail and dorsal neck area are the most common areas affected. This condition is thought to be caused by a virus.
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Mites
Mites cause the most common primary parasitic disease of companion birds. Several types of mites exist, affecting both feathered and unfeathered skin.
Most mites inhabit the superficial portion of the skin, leading to thickening and flaking. If the cere is involved, the beak becomes malformed. Some mites are superficial and can be found by skin scrape, while other mites penetrate deeply and require a biopsy for diagnosis.
The two most common mites are
Knemidokoptes causes a type of mange known as "scaly face" and "scaly leg". This mite burrows in the non-feathered areas around the cere, beak, eyes, vent and legs. Different species of mites affect different species of birds.
Knemidokoptes is most frequently found in budgies but has been also reported in other species of birds.
The lesions develop very slowly, so that an infected bird may appear normal for a long period of time. It is thought that these mites are acquired in the nest, with the infection remaining latent for a long period of time.
Tiny non-itching, wart-like lesions appear at the commissures of the beak or around the cere. Advanced infestation spreads to the unfeathered parts of the body.
The involved beak and skin develop a roughened, honeycombed appearance consisting of tiny pits and tunnels. The beak becomes distorted as the mites affect the zone of growth. Many birds will require life-long beak trims and shaping.
Canaries and finches more commonly have their legs and feet affected by these mites. Their legs become scaly and crusty and their claws become overgrown and cracked. Affected birds often become unable to perch.
Secondary bacterial infection and arthritis may occur. These mites are microscopic. Diagnosis is based upon the characteristic physical appearance they produce and skin scrapings.
In pigeons, a type of knemidokoptes causes severe itching and this is often referred to as "depluming scabies". These mites tunnel into feather follicles and feather shafts, causing severe itching and feather loss.
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Myialges
This mite is most commonly found on captive grey cheek parakeets, but also has been found on other species of birds. Symptoms:
- Severe itching
- Infected birds become very debilitated
- Loss of feathers
- Weight loss
- Red, scaly, thickened skin
If untreated, death occurs within several months. These mites are microscopic, with all stages found in tunnels in the bird's skin. Flies and lice may be involved in transferring these mites to other birds. Diagnosis is by clinical signs and identification of the mites in scrapings from the skin.
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Xanthomas
Xanthomas are yellow to orange thickened, dimpled patches of skin composed of lipids and cholesterol accumulation. The pectoral (breast area), thighs and wing tips are most frequently affected. Xanthomas are often invasive as well as destructive. These are most prevalent in budgies, cockatiels and cockatoos. The cause of xanthomas is unknown, but high-fat diets may be contributory.
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Ulcerative dermatitis
Ulcerative dermatitis refers to red, oozing, ulcerated skin. The affected area is often swollen and the bird often has an elevated white blood cell count, indicative of infection. Ulcerative dermatitis can be associated with previous trauma, wounds, diabetes and certain intestinal parasites. The bird picks at its skin, creating the ulcers. These sores are frequently itchy, causing the bird to pick at the area more. Bacterial and/or fungal infections may occur in addition to the lesions.
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Wear and tear
In time, birds on a high-seed and treats diet begin to show signs of feather and skin damage. As they go through periods of moult, their stores of essential vitamins and minerals necessary for feather development and health become depleted. Without proper replenishment, damage to feathers and skin can result. Birds can develop dry, flaky, and irritable skin, as well as unzippered feathers, stress bars or poor feather pigmentation.
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Food
A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids (EFA's), enzymes and chlorophyll-containing vegetables, such as leafy greens and sprouted seeds, grains and legumes helps keep skin healthy. These foods, plus a variety of fresh fruits, i.e. watermelon, grapes, apple, strawberries and cucumbers, have a high water content, enzymes and other healthy, life-promoting elements. At least 80% of your bird's diet should be made up of fresh foods.
Nutrition is very important for feather health, but it's not the only factor. There are other deficiencies or problems that can affect the quality and condition of your bird's skin and feathers. The following checklist may help reduce the chances your bird will have skin/feather problems.
Birds need plenty of sleep – 10 to 12 hours every night, with a quiet, darkened atmosphere.
A bird’s feathers do better in slightly humid conditions. Your indoor bird may require frequent access to bathing water or the shower, and you may find it necessary to mist your bird or operate a humidifier.
Exposure to natural sunlight helps produce the vitamins necessary to keep skin and feathers healthy. Indoor birds benefit from full-spectrum UV lighting or daily exposure to natural light.
Mites can cause damage to the skin and feathers. Treat existing infestations and limit exposure to these damaging pests.
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Pet supplements
Fish oil has shown positive benefits for both skin and coat or feathers. First suggested for use in treating allergies in pets, veterinarians are discovering that fatty acids can be valuable for a variety of conditions.
Omega-3 oils, otherwise known as fatty acids, nourish the skin and coat or feathers. They provide anti-inflammatory effects and can help relieve itching and scratching, an allergy-related condition, and support heart, vision and joint health.
Be sure to use an omega-3 fatty acid supplement derived from fish oil such as Rufus & Coco Super Skin & Coat. Other types of fatty acids (such as omega-6 fatty acids) can actually make some allergies worse. It is often best to use the omega-3 fatty acid supplements in conjunction with a diet lower in fat.
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