Balding gouldian

[Diane]

One of my gouldians, a female red head has started losing feathers on her head, at first it was just around the eyes.....seems to be speading. Looking more like a vulture every day, poor girl!

I havnt treated her with anything, she isnt scratching or picking at herself. What can I do for her?
She is now in isolation.

On another matter_____

Is Betadine any use diluted and used as a spray for parasites on birds?
What about water soluble Tea tree oil 20% soloution. On reading the back it can be used on people for cuts scratches minor skin infections, the same seems to apply to water soluble lavender oil too.

[brad359]

i would treat with ivomectine mix from vet.
some times hens go bald from breeding they usaly recover next molt.
can help with betadine or tea tree oil but tea tree oil would sting the eyes and not sure of fumes

[jusdeb]

Im guessing not to try anything your not sure about on the feathers , just as cats lick and can become ill from ingesting stuff from the fur birds preen and so anything on the feathers is going to be ingested also.....might be wrong but wouldnt be the first time lol....good luck with it.

[Diane]

birds preen and so anything on the feathers is going to be ingested

tea tree oil would sting the eyes and not sure of fumes

Good points to consider.
Im trying to go really green at home and was reading the backs of the bottles and I thought I would ask. Think I will stick with the tried and tested stuff, dont want my birds to turn into guinea pigs!

[Pete Sara]

years ago i was told to put iodine in there diet if they were loosing feathers. usually in the form of the calcium block(in bell shape ) that you buy from pet shops that are a purple /violet colour. but things change as time goes by and i have no idea, never had this problem ...pete

[Mickp]

zebras turning into guinea pigs may not be so bad. still breed like rabbits but no more flying around being a nuisance

[Diane]

I did buy one of the pink iodine bells but I couldnt see any evidence of pecking at it after a month in the aviary. So I ended up grinding it up and mixing it with the grit they get. At least I know they are getting some iodine now.