Can a cockatiel have dandruff?

[poultrycrazy711]

I have a male cockatiel who loves to be petted on the neck. One day I was doing this and I noticed he was "shedding" little white flakes that were going onto his feathers. He is still eating and drinking normally and plays normally also. Should I be worried that there is something wrong?

 

[Nicole01]

This is normal, especially during their first mini molt. They create a lot of dander and dust.

I'd be worried if the white stuff was moving.lol. If not moving, totally normal. All my pullets did this right before they got their first adult feathers.

 

[poultrycrazy711]

Thank you and no the white stuff isn't moving!

 

[TwoCrows]

Cockateils are pretty dusty birds, especially when they molt. Tiny pieces of feather sheathes that cover the growing feathers get picked off or fall off when the feathers get long enough. So, during a molt you will see all these scaley looking dusty particles on the bird.

 

[BudgieBoy]

As others have said, this is normal for cockatiels; I'm actually surprised you never noticed it before. When their feathers grow in they are covered by a sheath, and that breaks off during preening/scratching and leaves dust on and around the bird. It is really noticeable if your bird ever flaps against a window or mirror - they will leave the dust in a silhouette shape which I find really funny, but your house guests will probably be confused.

I believe cockatoo feathers produce a similar dust. It can cause heath problems for people who are sensitive to dusts and such, but generally if you keep his cage reasonably clean it shouldn't cause any problems. Giving him frequent baths or showers will help reduce the dust too. Mine loves to come in the shower with me in the mornings! I got a special perch made to use in the shower, just be careful not to get soap or shampoo on him as it will cause skin/feather issues.