Bald patch above nose

[dozroks]

hi, im new to all this. my budgie has a bald patch just above her nose (i think it's called the cere? the thing above her beak with the nostrils). Anyway, she's had a bit of a problem with scaly face before, a few times, probably cause i dont clean her cage enough, and i've dealt with that each time with some liquid that treats it, however, im wondering if this is another repeat of it, or something else. can anyone help me? thanks

[Guthwulf]

Hi and welcome to the forums!

Sometimes birds can get a bit thin, bald or 'pinkish' looking area above there cere during a moult. Normally this is what i would assume is happening in such a post, but because you have mentioned scaly face my thinking is that perhaps this area has been scarred and feathers no longer grow there.

You werent clear as to whether this area has been bald since a previous injury or case of scaly face, or has only recently lost feathers and balded? Im also concerned about what you said about reccurring scaly face? Once scaly face has been diagnosed and treated, the cage and all toys/bowls/drinkers/perches should be thoroughly cleaned - or replaced. There should be no cause for a repeat unless you have introduced birds carrying scaly face that are introduced to yours without adequate quarantine.

Cleanliness is extremely important in minimising bacteria that breed in cast out food and faeces, as well as mites that live in bird dander (skin/feathers that have been shed) and other warm safe areas in your birds living area. Please give thought to taking cleaning more seriously for your own health and the health of those birds whose life is entrusted to your care.

Pictures would help, otherwise if in doubt take your bird to the vet for proper diagnosis and/or treatment.

Thank you for posting your question, good luck with your bird :)

[Naos]

hi there

how big is the bald patch?? is it largish or nice and small? sometimes if it's small it could just be the way the feathers are growing - my budgie has a very small bald patch above one side.

Watch the bird however, if it is constantly scratching or preening the area it may have a skin irritation or lice. If they are preening more often than usual all over, you can buy a lice spray from a vet. I don't know about other skin irritations but if it's limited to one area it may give an avian vet some ideas...

In short, watch the bird's behaviour closely and decide whether it is preening more often than usual. a lice spray every 6 months or so never goes astray anyhow!!

hope that helps. Naos.

[dozroks]

it hasn't been bald before, only came up a couple of days ago. but it is quite small, in response to both of your questions.
thank you both very much, ill clean her out, spray everything with lice spray, and keep an eye on her. i'm guessing (hoping) it's because of the moulting, but again, i'll keep an eye on her.

thanks.

[Robin's Nest]

Hi, dozroks, and welcome to the forum!:)

Of course, I'm hoping it is just a molt and not scaley mites again. :(

I did want to throw into the mix though - just a thought on the aspect of identifying the source of the scaley mites since it sounds like you have treated for it more than once. Once you have treated, and everything has been cleaned or replaced as needed, then unless your bird is in an outdoor aviary, or you bring a new bird into your flock without quarantining it, then you should not see a reintroduction of mites. Another source could be outdoor bird-safe branches used for perches (you can bake these and/or wash them down prior to use), or if you were to purchase a used cage or toys from a friend, etc.

If you could determine the source of the reintroduction, that would be one less thing to worry about! I am really anxious to see pictures of your flock! :D And again, welcome - let's hope it is just a bit of a rough molt. :)