a vet answered
Bird with bald patches on the head and neck that are spreading fast during a molt
What they asked
Over the past few days I’ve noticed my bird growing some bald patches, I didn’t think much of it because she’s molting right now. But the spots have gotten bigger in a very short time. They are on her head and neck, so I don’t think she’s plucking them. I’ll attach two pictures taken this morning and this afternoon.
Sorry to hear you are concerned. That is definitely a dermatitis. It's fairly inflamed and could be yeast or bacterial. I would clean the area well with a gentle soap and find a vet to give some topical treatment.
Have a question about your own pet?
Ask Dylan a questionAnswered from your description alone, without examining your pet. That makes this general information, not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or prescription, and it is not intended to establish a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. There is only so much anyone can tell from a message. For guidance specific to your pet, book an appointment so a vet can examine them properly.
Veterinarians on PawsRx are independent professionals, not PawsRx employees. Each is solely responsible for their own advice and clinical decisions. PawsRx does not review, endorse, recommend, or guarantee anything a vet or any other user posts, and does not practice veterinary medicine.
If you want your bird seen in person
Clinics near you that see birds
Enter your ZIP. Send a clinic a request and they confirm a time with you.
Listings, not recommendations.
- Pet mouse making little beeping sounds for half an hour, like he's struggling to breathe: what should I do?
- Hermann's tortoise with pink tissue coming out of the cloaca that goes back in: normal, or a prolapse?
- Veiled chameleon's eye closed with a swollen bump above it: could it be an abscess?
- Male guinea pig with poop stuck around his bottom, sore when cleaned and not himself: what should I do?
- Green-cheek conure's eyes watering for two months with swollen eye rings: sinusitis or vitamin A deficiency?
- Five-year-old female guinea pig's private area swollen with brown crusty buildup: what should I do?
- Betta fish floating on his side for five days after a full round of treatment, water tests normal
- Pet mouse breathing fast with clicking and wheezing sounds and sitting still: how urgent is it?
Verified means we confirmed a veterinary license exists and is active in the state shown. It is not a review of anyone's skill, judgment, or disciplinary record, and it is not an endorsement or recommendation by PawsRx. In an emergency, contact an emergency clinic rather than waiting on an answer here. Have your own question? Ask a vet.