How to Identify and Get Rid of Parrot Lice and Mites

In this guide

Persistent itching, ragged feathers or restless nights can point to parasites. Here is how to spot them and what to do next.

Lice and mites are less common in well-kept indoor pet birds than in outdoor aviary birds, but both can affect any pet bird, particularly one that has had contact with wild birds, a new unquarantined bird, or an aviary environment. Catching an infestation early makes treatment considerably easier and prevents the more serious complications that come with a heavy, prolonged infestation.

Signs to watch for

• Excessive preening, scratching or feather plucking focused on specific areas
• Visible tiny moving specks on the skin or feathers, sometimes described as looking like pepper flakes
• Restlessness at night, particularly with red mites, which feed after dark and hide during the day
• Ragged, chewed-looking feather edges, a sign of chewing lice feeding on feather material
• A grey or white, honeycomb-like crusty buildup around the beak, cere, legs or feet, typical of scaly face or leg mites
• Lethargy, pale skin around the beak or eyes, or unexplained weight loss in more severe infestations, since some mites feed on blood and can cause anaemia

What to do if you suspect an infestation

Resist the temptation to reach for a home remedy or an over-the-counter pesticide product without guidance. Many products marketed for other pets are dangerous for birds, and even bird-labelled products can be harmful if the species or dosage is wrong. The right first step is an avian vet visit, where a physical examination and sometimes a feather or skin scraping will confirm what you are dealing with and lead to an appropriately dosed treatment, commonly ivermectin or another vet-prescribed antiparasitic.

Treating the environment, not just the bird

Mites and lice do not live only on the bird, they can also persist in cages, perches and surrounding surfaces, so treatment is incomplete without a thorough clean of the cage, perches and any wooden fixtures using a bird-safe disinfectant. If you keep more than one bird, assume the whole group needs checking, since these parasites spread readily between birds sharing a cage or aviary.

Prevention

• Quarantine any new bird for at least two to four weeks before introducing it to existing birds
• Keep cages away from open windows where wild birds, a common source of mites, might have contact
• Clean cages, perches and toys regularly rather than waiting for visible dirt to build up
• Avoid overcrowding, which increases both stress and the ease with which parasites spread between birds

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