Red Mites - Begone Blood Suckers

[fluffball]

This morning I lifted Teddy's cover (which is a light coloured material) and noticed tiny black dots ... moving!!!  It looks like poor Ted has an infestation of red mites.  I've spent the whole morning dismantling and disinfecting his cage, toys, perches ... and left them to dry in the sun.  Luckily his new playstation arrived yesterday - and he's taken to it like a duck to water :-)  I'm feeling very guilty about not noticing this sooner - I'm near enough 100% he had it from day one, as he had a tendency to scratch his head.  I just thought he was growing in some new feathers as he was losing his head bars.  I did notice that he was very sleepy during the last two days, but possibly I'm being paranoid. It's lucky he loves broccoli to top up his iron reserves - I might also given him a sprinkle of guardian angel today. I'm very annoyed at myself for not spotting it sooner.  I'm going to order something appropriate to treat it - I'm looking at Johnsons Bird Antimite Spray and Beaphar Spot On Mite Lice.  I read that tea tree oil can help too prevent the little blighters coming back! Would appreciate any recommendations.

[Budgies Retreat]

If you give soft food mashed up, like fresh egg food, you can add a tiny tiny pinch of garlic powder to it. That helps keep mites away. Ivemectin 0.1 mite drops are what I use as well.

[Marianne Marlow]

I use this:



Treat my birds every 6 months.

[starlingqueen]

I wouldn't trust Johnsons, their flea spray is totally useless. Ivermectin, as Marianne said is the best one to use.

[fluffball]

Thanks everyone - just ordered 0.1% IVERMECTIN SPOT ON MITE TREATMENT. Slightly nervous about applying it - as I know it will mean holding Teddy and although tame, he is still very suspicious of hands - I hope he forgives me

Marianne Marlow how do you go about applying it out of interest? Any tips would be appreciated.

[starlingqueen]

Put your first and middle finger either side of his head, the rest around his body. The drop has to go directly on to his skin on the back of his neck, not the feathers. While holding him, gently blow on his neck to part the feathers and while blowing apply the drop. Or have someone else apply it for you.

[jellybean]

fluffball, could I also just add (incase you don't know)
It is ONE drop, once a week, for 3 weeks. That should clear it up.

[fluffball]

Thanks starlingqueen and jellybean - very helpful! Teddy and I just did a practice hold in preparation for applying drops. He did pretty well - there was some biting - but he forgave me almost immediately and I gave him a piece of millet. Feeling more confident I can apply it correctly.

[Marianne Marlow]

Jun 22, 2015 14:06:47 GMT fluffball said:

Marianne Marlow how do you go about applying it out of interest? Any tips would be appreciated.

Looks like I am late to the party. You have already had some good advice.

I'd do it first thing in the morning. Then he has all day to forgive you!

Also make sure you don't give him a bath on the days you apply it.

In my house husband grabs the birds and I apply any treatment. I put a dot on and then massage in very lightly with my finger tip, so that I know it's on the skin. Takes a few seconds once the bird is in a firm bit light grip.

[fluffball]

Thanks Marianne Marlow, great advice! I haven't managed to persuade Teddy to have a bath, so no worries there

[Hezz]

Also it must be said ....... your washing everything down before treatment was a bit useless, sorry. Once you have your 0.1% Ivermectin, on the days you treat Teddy, also give the whole cage, perches, toys, absolutely everything a good soaking and F10, and the sun treatment if it is cooperating and showing its lovely face. You might want to, if you have wooden perches, giving the ends of the perches a drop as well. This is a favourite hiding spot for red mites, or dip them into some garlic powder, diatomaceous earth or any other mite deterrent.

And don't worry about Teddy sulking. He might, but he will get over it. Bribe him with millet, if you want.

[starlingqueen]

Jun 23, 2015 0:25:25 GMT Hezz said:

Also it must be said ....... your washing everything down before treatment was a bit useless, sorry. Once you have your 0.1% Ivermectin, on the days you treat Teddy, also give the whole cage, perches, toys, absolutely everything a good soaking and F10, and the sun treatment if it is cooperating and showing its lovely face. You might want to, if you have wooden perches, giving the ends of the perches a drop as well. This is a favourite hiding spot for red mites, or dip them into some garlic powder, diatomaceous earth or any other mite deterrent.

And don't worry about Teddy sulking. He might, but he will get over it. Bribe him with millet, if you want.

It could help reduce his discomfort a bit before the treatment arrives, by reducing the number of mites. That's got to be worth doing.

[milliej]

Ok silly question, how do budgies (especially indoor ones) get these tiny invaders?

[OP]

Maybe they are brought in on ones clothing, or greens from the Supermarket. I suppose the birds outside may carry them and the get transfered onto ones clothing. Just my thoughts.

[fluffball]

Thanks again everyone, I don't mind recleaning Teddy's cage etc. I couldn't stand the thought of all those mites hiding in his cage. His treatment arrives tomorrow