Pet Birds Infected with Bird Mites
One Owner's Experience
Shirley has been battling a bird mite infection for some time now, and now would like to share her experience with people who may be faced with the same problem. Below is her input:
I have been battling this with a cockatiel for a few months now. He plucked his back and had big sores. The vet put him on Metroconozole for 10 days once a month. It helped initially. The cockatiel always had black specs on the back, sometimes red, sometimes rashes. At times, I could see long hair red lines under the skin.A complete histopathy came back with severe dermatitis (and a $869.00 vet bill).
I recently also found that my other pet bird, a lovebird, has the same symptoms. The affected areas are the neck and lower back.
Once I was able to pick one of these "dots" up and using specialty glasses (like vets have) and a microscope I was able to take a closer look. These bugs have horrid six legs and I can see the pearl under the skin which are the eggs.
Things that appear to help in eradicating this problem:
- The bird room and aviaries were thoroughly cleaned and are kept meticulously clean. I also am using Damascus earth - the eatable kind - In the foraging areas. My birds live in an inside bird room and also have their own patio totaling 400 feet of bird living area.
- I add garlic to scrambled eggs and turmeric to the seed mixes that are fed to my birds.
- I am using the 8 and 1 bug and mite spray, and Nystat msp.
- I have been using tea tree oil on the infected areas and adding ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) to the water. (Please refer to this article on the use of ACV: Vinegar: A Natural Approach to Avian Management)
- To heal the sores, I am using an old- fashioned antibiotic I got from pet store in fish department - penicillin.
- Vaseline applied to the skin appears to bring the bugs more to the surface.
- An avian vet recommended to bathe him in a shampoo used for dogs, namely: SULPH OXY DEX. After shampooing the birds, I have to let the shampoo on for about five minutes before rinsing/ drying the birds It is interesting to note that after applying the Sulph oxy dex shampoo, you can see the bugs literaly jump off the birds.
Please note that any treatment options need to be discussed with your vet before implementing them.
In treating my birds with chemicals, I break for a couple of days to give my birds time to rest before going back to the treatments (other than the daily cleaning and the non-toxic treatments, such as garlic and turmeric.
I do take the time and effort to provide my birds with the best possible diet, including fresh veggies and fruit. I bake birdie bread for them and also feed seeds, pellets, millet and tons of other food items from the health food store.
I am winning this war. My birds feel better. The specs are much less, but I have to be diligent every day in my efforts to eradicate them. This method is working, but I am still working on the eggs. So it's probably a month or two of staying on top of things.
So far I am noticing that my birds stopped picking themselves, sleep better, feel better, and eat more.
Yes, I have also been bitten. Lord was I freaking. I don't have any bugs on me since I put tea tree oil on any bites. I also use Newtons #1 detoxifier daily. (NOTE: I do not give that to the birds ever.)
This experience is horrible - it's a nightmare. That is why I am taking the time to type this out for anyone who cares to think beyond "no hope" for this mite problem..
To me there is no such thing as it can't be cured ... I am winning this battle and I will keep you posted on if I win this battle or should I say: when I win it.
So here are some ideas and thoughts and actions to maybe help others.. I am also so open to other thoughts and theories, and your course of action. Thank you.
Shirley M. in Jacksonville Florida
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