How can I prevent parakeet mites and treat my bird if it has them?

It would depend on the type of parasite. If you are concerned she may have mites, have her examined by your veterinarian for confirmation. There are over-the-counter sprays that can be used to treat most mites on or off the bird. You can find these products in your local pet store. Read label directions very carefully before using. A warm bath or misting will encourage preening and promotes healthy skin and plumage. Do not use any soap or shampoo. Keep her away from cold drafts when she is wet or damp. Clean and sanitize the cage, bowls, perches and toys. Discard anything that cannot be sanitized. Change cage paper or substrate daily.

I strongly recommend contacting a vet for treatment of knemidokoptic mange or scaly face mites. Most mite preparations or cage protectors sold in pet stores are ineffective and some may even be toxic to birds. Because of their small size, medications that can effectively treat this condition in bird typically have to be compounded for a safe and effective dose. Overdosing parasiticides can easily be fatal in budgies. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/knemidokoptic-mange-or-scaly-leg-and-face-disease-in-birds http://www.merckvetmanual.com/exotic-and-laboratory-animals/pet-birds/parasitic-diseases-of-pet-birds It is important to completely clean the cage, typically it is recommended to remove and replace any wooden perches or toys. Good luck. Thank you for using PetCoach. http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=15+1829&aid=3068

Thanks for reaching out about Quiz and including photos. The mites live only on the birds, which is not to say they can't fall off, but typically treating all the animals in the habitat is sufficient to cure. The best treatment is a systemic medication called ivermectin but the benzoate works well. But this is not a systemic drug, therefore if an area is missed topically might not clear the infestation or take longer. Be careful applying around the eyes. Good luck.

If you suspect a parasite such as mites most pet stores carry a commercial mite spray that can be used on birds to treat mites. Placing an Elizabethan (cone) collar on Sky is also a good idea to keep her from picking at the spot while it heals (Google has tutorials on how to make bird-sized ones at home) If the problem persists, it would be good to have her examined by a vet. If you're having trouble affording care, this site may help give you some ideas to make vet care more affordable so Sky can get the help she needs: https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/having-trouble-affording-veterinary-care

Thanks for reaching out. Feather lice are rarely a concern but a gentle bath and warmth to recover could decrease the numbers until older, where topical medications are safer. Clean the environment regularly to cut down on re-contamination. Good luck.

Poor little guy! He very possibly has scaly mites. Ideally he should be seen by an avian veterinarian, but there is an over-the-counter product called Avimec that is a drop-on remedy for scaly mites. These mites only live on the body, so you don't have to treat the cage as well, but it would be a good idea to take it apart anyway and give it a good deep cleaning just to be safe. Plenty of soap and hot water and thorough rinsing will work. Good luck with him.

Hello, Parakeets do commonly contract the external parasite Knemidocoptes. I would recommend taking Pineapple into your veterinarian to be seen. They can examine her, weigh her, and determine the best anti-parasitic medication for her case. It generally requires a few doses of the medication over a period of weeks to kill every life stage of the mite. I hope this is helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.