Mites and Parasites in Birds: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

All types of birds, including popular pet species like budgerigars, canaries, and finches, can be attacked by mites and other parasites regardless of how well their living conditions are maintained. These parasites pose serious health risks, and timely detection and treatment are essential for responsible pet ownership.

Feather Mites (Red Mites): Identification and Management

Feather mites, often caused by the parasitic red mite, infest bird feathers and feed on their blood, causing irritation and possible anemia, particularly dangerous for young birds. Affected birds become restless, especially at night when mites are most active.

Red mites can hide in wooden nest boxes and nearby environments, posing a risk of repeated infestations even after treatment. A practical diagnosis method is to cover the bird's cage overnight with a white sheet covering all sides; mites will be visible on the sheet by morning and can be shown to a vet for confirmation.

Treatment often includes topical sprays or powders and sometimes oral or injectable medications prescribed by a vet. It is crucial to treat the bird's housing and any neighbouring cages to prevent reinfestation.

Air Sac Mites: Respiratory Parasites in Small Birds

Air sac mites inhabit the respiratory tract of birds, from the nose to the lungs, commonly affecting canaries and Gouldian finches. Symptoms include laboured breathing, open-mouth breathing, tail bobbing, and excessive salivation. In severe cases, a distinctive ticking sound can be heard if you carefully listen near the bird's chest, but handling should be minimal to avoid stress.

This condition can be fatal without treatment. Some over-the-counter medications are available online, but if symptoms persist, prompt veterinary advice is strongly recommended to ensure effective care.

Scaly Face and Leg Mites: Skin Parasites Affecting Budgerigars and Finches

Scaly face mites burrow into the skin around the beak, eyes, and nose, while leg mites affect the legs and feet, causing crusty white lesions. Budgerigars may lose feathers and develop deformities if untreated, and finches can develop "tassel foot" with similar white crusty symptoms.

These mites do not generally cause itching but can cause long-term damage if untreated. Treatment consists of anti-parasitic medications administered orally or by injection under veterinary guidance.

Avian Trichomoniasis (Canker): A Protozoan Infection

Trichomoniasis, also known as canker, is a gastrointestinal parasite caused by a protozoa and common in wild and pet budgerigars. It causes pale yellow or whitish lesions in the mouth, throat, crop, and oesophagus, often with excess saliva and occasional regurgitation.

The disease spreads through direct contact, feeding from adult to young, or via contaminated food and water. Infected birds should be quarantined, and offspring hand-fed to prevent transmission. Veterinary diagnosis is essential, with treatment involving anti-parasitic medications administered via food or water.

Avian Giardiasis: Digestive Parasite in Parrots

Giardiasis is caused by the Giardia protozoan parasite affecting cockatiels, budgerigars, lovebirds, and related parrots. Symptoms include malnutrition, diarrhoea, weight loss, excessive feather plucking, itching, and unusual vocalisation. Bird droppings may appear like popcorn.

The parasite spreads through contaminated food and water, and some birds may carry it asymptomatically. Veterinary-prescribed anti-parasitic medicine given orally is required for treatment. Preventing contamination is key to control.

Tapeworms: Hidden Gastrointestinal Parasites

Tapeworm infections affect species such as cockatoos, African Grey parrots, and finches. Birds often show no outward symptoms, but examination of droppings reveals the parasite’s presence. Infection occurs mainly through contact with wild birds or ingestion of infected insects, slugs, earthworms, or spiders.

Treatment includes oral or injectable medication, often requiring a course rather than a single dose. Regular worming and hygiene practices help prevent outbreaks.

Conclusion

Parasites like mites, protozoa, and tapeworms pose serious health risks to pet birds. Recognising symptoms early and seeking veterinary advice can save lives and improve your bird’s wellbeing. Regular hygiene, monitoring, and responsible care are key. For pet bird owners seeking new companions, consider reputable sources such as birds for sale to ensure healthy, well-cared-for pets.