The wavy parakeets, also known by the simple name of "parakeets", are fun pets and are easy enough to care for; however, there are several types of mites that can pose a problem. If your little friend is infested with it, first you need to identify the species of mite responsible and choose the appropriate treatment. Common techniques for eliminating these unsightly parasites include cleaning the cage, administering medications, and using insecticides.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Getting rid of red mites
Step 1. Observe the activity level of the parakeet
Red mites (Dermanyssus gallinae) are active at night; therefore, your little friend may seem restless or uncomfortable in the dark hours and sleep during the day to compensate for sleep deprivation.
Step 2. Clean the cage to get rid of the mites
Some of these insects do not remain constantly on the host's body; red mites are active at night and hide in the crevices of the cage during daylight hours; to eradicate them you must proceed with a thorough cleaning and disinfection of the cage.
Step 3. Scrub the surfaces with a veterinary disinfectant or a mixture of boiling water and white vinegar
Place the parakeet in another cage and use a brush to carefully scrub its entire "house", paying particular attention to the corners and crevices; when finished, rinse off any detergent residue using plain water and let it dry in the sun.
Step 4. Use a disinfectant product
After cleaning it, spray the cage with a pet-safe disinfectant to make sure you get rid of all the mites. Products that are approved and recognized by veterinary associations are not harmful to animals as long as you follow the directions on the package.
Step 5. Clean the cage often
Even after you've gotten rid of the mites, you need to clean it regularly every week; in this way you guarantee the parakeet a healthy place to live and can prevent further infestations.
Step 6. Treat the parakeet with an insecticide to get rid of red mites
Although cleaning the cage is typically an effective method of fighting these insects, your vet may also recommend that you spray a powdered insecticide on the animal. if so, be sure to follow the instructions on the leaflet to protect yourself and your little friend.
- Mite and head lice powders are available at many pet supply stores.
- There are other very effective acaricides; ask your vet for some advice.
Method 2 of 3: Combat Mange and Trachea Mites
Step 1. Check the parakeet's toes for scales or scabs
As with many other birds, the parakeet's fingers are also covered with scaly skin; However, if you notice changes and anomalies (unusual color, size, shape, texture, etc.), they could indicate the presence of mange mites.
Step 2. Proceed with topical treatment to get rid of pests
Put a drop of mite insecticide on the pet's nape once a week for 2-3 weeks to kill the insects and their eggs.
Step 3. Pay attention to how the budgie breathes
When a bird is infested with a particular species of mite, scientifically named Sternostoma tracheacolum (also called tracheal or respiratory mite), it may have difficulty breathing. If your friend also suffers from this disorder, you may hear a popping or hissing sound when he breathes.
You may also notice that the tail moves up and down or that the parakeet is breathing with its beak open; these are all signs of a respiratory problem
Step 4. Give him medication to get rid of respiratory mites
Both ivermectin and levamisole are effective against different types of parasites and are often prescribed to treat parakeet mite infections. Unfortunately, the death rate of parakeets affected by tracheal mites is very high, even if they are treated with a drug.
Method 3 of 3: Eliminate Other Common Mites
Step 1. Check for any crusty formations on the bird's body
Mange mites (Cnemidocoptes pilae) can cause crusty spots on the body that can develop on the beak and fingers, as well as on the eyelids, wax, cloaca and wing tips.
Step 2. Check the length of the beak
If it grows excessively, it could be another possible indication of the presence of mites (such as Cnemidocoptes pilae); if the beak is infested, it can become excessively long or appear deformed.
Step 3. Contact your vet for advice
You can use topical medications to eliminate the mites responsible for crusty formations on the parakeet's body; however, you should always go to your doctor for specific advice and instructions. Among the various possible treatments consider:
- A specific insecticide to be applied (in drops or with a pipette) on the parakeet's plumage; several doses at two-week intervals should eliminate the mites;
- Treatments with powdered insecticides;
- Thorough cleaning of the cage.
Advice
- Mites can spread from one animal to another; therefore, if only one specimen is infested, be sure to treat all birds anyway to completely eradicate the infestation.
- When going with a topical treatment, make sure to apply it to the skin behind the neck; if the parakeet were to ingest the medication while smoothing its feathers it could become ill, so avoid this risk by applying the medication out of reach.
- When applying a topical treatment, be careful that it does not come into contact with the bird's eyes, mouth or nostrils.
