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Posted by brenda on 1/7/2010
oil gland
I have a 27 year old cockatiel who gets along pretty well each day. Occasionally she has difficulty walking and climbing on her cage. She appears healthy, her eyes are bright, feathers clean, good appetite. Yesterday I was helping her preen around her oil gland and found a crusty scab type substance. It actually covered her oil gland and several feather bases. It was at least a half inch in size and was building upfrom her body. Obviously this was causing her to be less mobile. I removed the substance and she was immediately more mobile, but the area was red and very sensitive. I am wondering if her oil gland is infected, or leaking and what can be done to help her.Lafeber Reply
Answered by Kathi on 1/8/2010
Dear Brenda
Sounds like she is aging normally with the aches and pains and stiffness (as with us all )The preening gland can become clogged up with age and depending on whats going on under that scab I think its best to consult an avian vet for treatment.. Keep an eye on if it. Also watch for any kind of scabbing on the leg or beak area(crusty substance) as this can be a problem with scaley mites. It can be treated easily if caught early.
You may want to try some full spectrum lighting at least 15-20 minutes a day to help with the Vitamin D absorption which is helpful !
Kudos to you for loving and taking care of your little girl for 27 years!!!
Kathi
Kathi
