Is it normal for the skin on my cockatoo's feet to be flaky?

Question

Is it normal for the skin on my cockatoo's feet to be flaky?

Answer 1

Parasitic skin diseases caused by the burrowing mange mite cnemidocoptes pilae, which lives its whole life feeding on keratin in the skin around the face and legs. Birds affected occasionally include poultry, Pigeons, many Passerines and some Parrots; but it is most common in Budgerigars and Canaries.

Signs: Grey, dry, flaky skin around the face often with a honeycombed appearance. Feet, especially in Canaries, often develop brush-like overgrowths of keratin, hence the common name "Tassle foot". Diagnosis confirmed by microscopic examination of skin to identify the mites, and distinguish between similar lesions such as prox or tumours.

Treatment: Many ointments and lotions can be used with reasonable success, provided treatment maintained long enough. The necessary handling is stressful. Modern choice is a parasiticide 'Ivermectin' given by injection or local application. One dose is often enough for dramatic cure: severe cases need repeat dose in 10-14 days. Not highly contagious - evidence suggests may be some inherited predis-position; vitamin a deficiency may be a factor; stress is important. Therefore any affected bird should be examined for other problems.