Just wondering Neat could you see the feathers mites on the budgie or is it only by damaged feathers you know you have mites.

No mate, I didn't see a thing - No crawlies or nothing ...

 

I goggled a few things and once i read " feather looks like it was eaten " I found the info to determine it is FEATHER MITES ..

 

All the pieces came together too - the excess feathers everywhere & the constant preening ( thought it was due to molting)

 

The blood feather I thought it was a sign of FM -

 

That is why i am not mad at myself anymore - I didn't see anything ...

But I know now what to look out for