sasha

HI ppl
HI we just bought an extremely affectionate baby cockatiel from a pet shop we were told it was going through its molting is it normal to have bald patches during this time, there is one patch on its belly (nothing alarming) the pet shop owner was crying when we bought him as she took him home every night lol anyway is the bald patches normal on first molt, he is itchy but we read that its normal while molting

gremlin

Bald patches are NOT normal...I hate to say this, but you may want to have your new friend check for PBFD (Psittacine beak and feather disease). Some itchiness is normal when they molt, but not bald patches.

sirdarksol

Are you sure it is a male? Some birds have what's called a brood patch, a naked spot on the breast that either can be permanent or can be the result of a female "plucking" herself.

I'm with gremlin that you should talk to a vet (preferably one that specializes in birds) to verify what it is.

Sabi

I'm sorry to say i think its plucking. They start plucking feathers in one place and then moving all over. If it is, you had better take it to your local vet for a check up before it plucks all the feathers off!. you'l probably have to give it a special diet as they mostly get it from unbalanced diet.

Tazmiche

Yeah, i agree with the plucking. I have grown up with Cockatiels and they have plucked when stressed. Sometimes just moving the cage to a different spot would start it. If it has been back and forth daily it may well be stressed and also if it has been used to the shop owner new parents may freak it out too.

I wouldn't hesitate, take him for a check up by a vet firstly at least for peace of mind. Then if all ok TLC and no major changes in his routine. I think they are generally tough little cookies, we had one that had to have a nebulizer for a respiratory condition. He'd sit on my shoulder and pull my hair!! so cute.

Good luck

LuvaBetta

I definitely agree s/he needs to be vet checked. Babies don't pluck or have brood patches. If its been with its parents, THEY could have plucked it, but if the store owner is bringing it home every night it's probably not parent raised. Don't get too attached before your avian vet gives you good news!