by Judy Evans

Created on: December 03, 2010

If your birds are not looking their best, or maybe they seem to be missing the occasional feather, they could be contending with an infestation of feather lice.

However, there are many causes of feather problems and it should not be assumed that lice are the reason for poor feather quality. Some birds self-mutilate or are happy to ‘mutilate’ other cage occupants. Bad placement of perches may result in broken tail feathers. Viral diseases, nutritional deficiencies, skin infections, toxins of some description and mites may all manifest in broken, dull and/or missing feathers.

Lice tend to be host species specific and are not as dangerous as mites. There are two types of lice: some bite and some suck. Generally lice on pet birds are found to be of the biting type. Lice establish themselves on the shafts of the feathers. As they nibble away at scales and bits of feathers, the plumage soon becomes bedraggled and untidy, especially if the infestation is severe.

Most commonly lice are seen on the underside of the wing feathers along the vanes. They also appear under the tail feathers. They appear as small clusters of tiny dark spots. If a feather is held up to the light, the lice can be seen quite clearly.

Treatment
Lice are most easily treated by using ivermectin, pyrethrin spray or a 5% carbaryl dust. One treatment will not affect any unhatched eggs so a second dose at an interval of 7 to 10 days is necessary. Disinfecting the aviary is a good idea as lice may be passed on from parent to juvenile or from one bird to another, bearing in mind that the insects are species specific.

There are several commercial products available which are safe for caged birds and poultry.
*  Ivermectin can be added to drinking water and will kill a number of ‘baddies’ including lice, mites, roundworms, flies and blood parasites. It is safe to use with breeding stock.

Pyrethrin is a natural insecticide. It can be mixed with water and either used as a bath or sprayed through the aviary as a disinfectant.

There are other mild pet insecticides which may be used. To see the results of your efforts, spray the plumage, then, after a few minutes, hold the bird over a sheet, ruffle the feathers and watch the lice drop off the birds. Be sure to dust under the wings and tail especially, but also on the back and ventral surfaces. Repeat the next day if necessary. Suitable brand names include Nuvan and Pyrethrin. Avian Insect Liquidator (A.I.L.) is another all-purpose, water-based product that will not affect birds but will kill a variety of insects.

Steer away from ointments as unguents interfere with the bird’s natural body temperature control mechanisms. Products containing lidocaine are also unsafe as even very small doses of this topical anaesthetic can be fatal.
 
Prevention
Regular bathing will help prevent infestations of lice. Cage birds mostly enjoy a daily bath if they have a shallow bowl of clean water. Some birds enjoy being sprayed from a hose.

Lice also affect domestic chickens. To treat poultry for lice, first be sure to wear gloves and a dust mask. Catch the chickens and lay them on their backs on a towel. Shake a suitable powder over the plumage and dust it into the feathers. Be sure to cover the area around the vent.

Domestic fowls love a dust bath and by allowing them this luxury they will generally keep themselves relatively free of lice and mites. Sevin garden dust can be sprinkled under nesting areas and is very effective in eradicating insects.

Keeping a clean, hygenic aviary or fowl pen will always result in healthier, happier birds.

 

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