Does anyone out there know what brown crawlies on a budgie are - they are visible to the eye?

Question

We have had her for approx 2 years. Her only companion recently died from old age, and she has had no exposure to any other animals. It is not the mite that attacks beak and legs because they are looking healthy and also the crawlies are too big I think (approx 2 mm)? She is cleaned regularly and looked after - confused how she could have become infested? Will go to vets, but unable to get there until Friday and wanted to know if there is anything we can do in the mean time?

Answer 1

Hmm I'm not sure, but it may be lice. If someone in your house has/had them the bird could have very well of gotten them too.

Birds are one of the few animals that can get lice that people can have as well.

But again I am not sure, your vet would obviously know.

Answer 2

Purchase mite spray from a pet supply retailer.

Here is an example:

http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/pr...

First give your bird a gentle luke warm shower in the sink, with a sprayer.  Line the sink with a towel.  After thoroughly rinsing the bird, pat it to remove excess moisture.  Cover the bird's face with a washcloth and spray the bird with mite spray.   Read and follow the directions.

Put it in a pet carrier if you have one, lined with a towel (preferably non-looped type) and set it in a cozy warm place with no drafts until completely dry and groomed.  Direct sunshine is ok, as long as it's not too hot, and the cage or container has a shady area.

While your bird is drying, you should be cleaning it's cage, toys and the room it's in like a maniac.  I recommend that you discard the food, cage liners or bedding that are in the cage(s).  Wash the cage, and all accessories.  Dawn dish soap and hot water works great.  If you can't wash it - toss it.

After washing, and while they are drying - use mite spray on the cage and perches.  It is a pesticide, so use caution.  Do not use on or near food and water cups, cuttlebone, or chewable toys.

Spray the floors, especially carpets, under the cage.  If you have fabric cage covers,  nearby drapes, or machine washable rugs near the cage - wash them all and dry in a dryer.

Good luck to you.