Birds can contract external parasites - such as mites - and if the infestation is left untreated, it can spread to people, as well as causing serious illness or even death of the bird. Some species, such as parrots, parakeets, and finches, are more likely to be infested with mites. These insects feed on the blood of their host, they can live and thrive in the bird's nest or cage and reproduce very quickly; however, they typically die after three weeks if they are unable to feed. There are steps you can take to treat the infestation so it doesn't recur.
Steps
Part 1 of 3: Recognizing the Symptoms of the Infestation
Step 1. Look for scabs around the eyes and beak
Mites attack birds by penetrating the skin mainly in the muzzle area, near the eyes and beak. This infestation is caused by the Knemidokoptes pilae mite; in the early stage these parasites are visible to the naked eye and do not compromise the general health of the bird. However, you may notice areas with scabs in the corners or above the beak.
These white, shiny deposits become thicker and develop real scabs as the mites penetrate the epidermis. The upper part of the muzzle shows deep grooves or holes, as parasites dig tunnels in the skin; eventually, the epidermis surrounding the eyes and beak appears bumpy or filled with deep, thick, scabbed, irritating tunnels
Step 2. Examine the paws for irritated, flaky skin
The mites can also attack this part of the body and in this case it is the variety Knemidokoptes mutans; parasites burrow into the bird's legs, depositing eggs inside the skin; as a result, the limbs become dry, scaly and covered with white deposits that can form crusts. The mites release metabolites that cause severe irritation that manifests itself as swelling, scaly skin or rashes.
Step 3. Observe if your feathered friend is restless at night or excessively smoothing
The mites feed mainly at night, so the bird could be very agitated or irritated during this time slot due to the bites of the parasites. You may notice that even during the day he is restless and tries to relieve the itching by rubbing against the cage bars due to the mites continuing to burrow. In an attempt to get rid of it, it may also proceed with excessive grooming or smoothing of the plumage, although this method does not solve the problem.
Step 4. Check to see if the bird is coughing, sneezing, gaping or having difficulty breathing
Mites can also enter the airways and infest the trachea, air sacs, bronchi and sinuses, causing these types of symptoms. The bird may also start opening its mouth to breathe, as if it were gasping. Watch him breathe in the cage and pay attention if he has difficulty or opens his mouth to inhale the air.
If the mites attack the respiratory system, the bird may also lose weight, make snapping sounds, or experience a change in pitch of vocalizations
Step 5. Look for any damage or loss of feathers
You may notice obvious signs of feather deterioration, patches of alopecia or several feathers that have fallen into the cage. these are clear signs that it is smoothing or over-cleaning in an attempt to get rid of the mites.
Step 6. Examine the bird's head and legs at night for mites
Since they are nocturnal insects, they reproduce during the day and feed at night. Use a flashlight to check for crawling parasites on the animal's body; you may see small red or black dots or specks moving and hiding in the host's skin.
Part 2 of 3: Identifying Mites in the Bird's Environment and at Home
Step 1. Check for clusters of small red dots in the cage
The mites are very small, about 1mm long and semi-transparent until they ingest the host's blood, after which they turn a bright red or black color. One way to recognize a mite infestation is to look inside the cage for heaps of red or black dots; observe if they move after five minutes, since they are parasites that move and tend to approach each other in search of the host.
Step 2. Pay attention if you have any small bites on your body
These mites can very easily transfer from birds to humans, and you may experience symptoms of infestation while caring for and living with your feathered friend. You may have raised or red marks, especially around the mouth and nose.
Step 3. Monitor for any tactile sensations of insects crawling on your body while in bed at night
If you seem to have parasites walking on your skin at night, it could be the mites that feed on your blood.
Know that although they also feed on human blood, they are unable to complete their life cycle on your body; moreover, they do not transmit infectious diseases to people or birds, but can cause secondary infections caused by itching that leads to scratching
Part 3 of 3: Treating the Infestation
Step 1. Take the bird with its cage to the vet for treatment
The mites are not visible on the animal's body during the day, but the doctor is able to examine the cage and determine if it is indeed a parasite infestation.
Keep in mind that mites live on the host's body, not in the cage; however, depending on the severity of the infestation, it may be necessary to thoroughly clean the container to eliminate them
Step 2. Get a prescription for topical medications, based on the bird's needs
The most effective medicine for this type of infestation must be administered in specific dosages based on the weight and breed of the animal; so be sure to always use only the therapy prescribed by your vet. Over-the-counter products do not offer a long-term solution and may not be effective. The doctor may prescribe topical treatment or even injections to eradicate the problem.
It may be necessary to go to your clinic for further checks and make sure that the infestation has been completely defeated
Step 3. Treat all the birds you have at home
The "Knemidocoptes mutans" mites are not very contagious, but it is important to protect all the feathered specimens you have at home, even if only one is sick; this is an excellent precaution in the event that the infected specimen may in some way contaminate the others.
Step 4. Do not use anti-mite products
You can often find them in pet stores or online and are advertised as substances that can control these infestations; however, they are not always useful for prevention and many contain paradichlorobenzene or mothballs which can be harmful to the bird and cause liver damage. Exposing your pet to the vapors of these substances can be dangerous, so you should avoid them.
Step 5. Consider hiring a professional to take care of the infestation at home
Some specialized companies in the sector are qualified to treat bird mites; if the situation is particularly serious, it could be a good solution and you should get the company to intervene as soon as possible so that the infestation does not get worse.
