does your bird scratch its head?

[felisdomesticus]

About a month after adopting Scarlett, I had the opportunity to speak to the woman who fostered (and tamed) her for 6 months. She told me that Scarlett was treated for a sinus infection while in their care ane the clue that something was wrong that she scratched her head all the time.

She still does that and the frequency hasn't changed since adopting her. She also scratches the feathers away around her eyes. I didn't realize that she actually has a blue eyering until a few weeks ago when I noticed new ones growing in. She has bare patches around her eyes due to scratching.

She is due for a yearly visit but I'm still trying to decide where to take her. I heard of a great new vet in the area but I believe the "open" week for new patients has long since come and gone.

In any case, does your bird scratch its head a lot? It never freaked me out much b/c I'm used to cats and dogs who do that all the time. Is it the same with birds?

[FeathersNFur8]

From what I have read, a sign of a sinus infection is that they can lose feathers around their eyes and ears. One of the sinuses is located behind the eye. If she's still scratching the feathers off, I would definitely have her looked at again.
My GWM seems to scratch a lot on his head. But it was the sneezing and seeing a bit of what looked like a dried white powder substance at the nare openings that sent me to the AV. He has had his nares flushed three times now and was put on a course of antibiotics. AV didn't say sinus infection, but we did culture the debris from the nare flush and it did show a small about of bacteria.

Karen

[Monica]

My cherry head enjoys rubbing, not scratching, her head on toys and perches and it's more of pleasurement than bothersome.

[felisdomesticus]

Originally Posted by FeathersNFur8

From what I have read, a sign of a sinus infection is that they can lose feathers around their eyes and ears.

yes that describes Scarlett.

[smallonion]

I don't know about Scarlett's eyes, but I have to remark on how adorable she is. What a sweet picture and facial expression! (I CAN see the feather loss around the eyes though)

[Freedomoflight]

I would definatly take her to a vet, just to double check.
As for the head scratching thing, I cannot honestly reply, because my fids are molting right now and it seems everytime I turn they are preening or scratching!

[Doubleyolk]

My cockatoo will scratch his head and neck often.

[angie]

My 3 Macaws scratch their heads too and I can tell they enjoy it...

[poi_lover]

She is definitely losing feathers around her eyes. I would get her to the vet.

Interesting though, I didn't realize that could be a sign of a sinus infection.

[felisdomesticus]

Originally Posted by poi_lover

She is definitely losing feathers around her eyes. I would get her to the vet.

She came to me with similar bare patches around her eyes. Sometimes they get better and grow in and sometimes they get worse, like now.

As I said, they told me she was treated for a sinus infection and yet she still had the bare spots around her eyes. That's why I didn't think much of it for the past few months.

I will get on the phone tomorrow.