Anyone used S76 for mites/lice?

[willowsmum]

Whilst at the rescue centre 6 weeks ago, Bramble was treated with one dose of Xeno (Ivermectin) as one vet thought that he might have lice, although a second vet at the centre didn't think he did. He hasn't received any further treatment. I can't decide whether to retreat him or not, just because it will stress him. The only reason I'm considering it is because of his medical history, otherwise it probably wouldn't have crossed my mind. I've seen no actual mites/lice although I know they're hard to spot. 

He's very active all of the time, not preening or scratching much at all. He does do the full-body-feather-fluff-up-and-shake fairly frequently, about once every 10 mins, but this is the same motion as Willow uses to rearrange his feathers, although Willow doesn't do it as often, it's normally part of the waking-up or preening process. Does this sound like the symptoms you would expect with an infestation?

He'll be moving to a brand new clean cage in the next couple of days and won't be taking any of his old toys/perches etc with him so if there is an infestation in the cage it hopefully won't transfer with him (although I know some of the mites could hitch a ride on him).

I'm still trying to gain his trust as he settles in his new home so I'm really reluctant to handle him unless I have to. I think it could set us back a lot in terms of gaining his trust. ffiscool pointed out S76, an oral dose of ivermectin, Active Ingredients: Ivermectin 0.8g/1 & Slippery Elm. Does anyone have any experience of using this? I know a spot of 0.1% on the back of the neck is a tried and tested method but in water treatment sounds like a much less stressful way to dose him.

Sorry to raise it again but I can't decide what to do!

[ffiscool]

I just googled and it seems effective, perhaps as a precautionary method, it stops them developing. If he’s not scratching or seemingly bothered by anything, hopefully he’s free from them. I can’t advise as such, as never did manage to grab Bailey.

[willowsmum]

Thanks ffiscool. It's the grabbing that worries me

[ffiscool]

Aug 13, 2021 13:39:11 GMT ffiscool said:

I just googled and it seems effective, perhaps as a precautionary method, it stops them developing. If he’s not scratching or seemingly bothered by anything, hopefully he’s free from them. I can’t advise as such, as never did manage to grab Bailey.

I found another that said it’s v effective in water

[tweetiepiesmom]

You might try the S76 just to settle your mind. Although you're not sure if he's infected, it doesn't sound like it would do any harm. At this stage, I understand your reluctance to grab him for a treatment. He most certainly will react to your hand differently after that!

[willowsmum]

Thanks tweetiepiesmom I think I had come to the same conclusion myself. Sometimes just putting your thoughts down on 'paper' helps you to sort it out in your mind. Not helped by the fact I'm having a very indecisive day!

[Hezz]

Putting medication in the drinking water is more times a futile exercise than not, especially with desert birds such as budgies as they can go for longer than the recommended 24 hours without drinking.

It sounds as though it isn’t clear whether he had lice or not and has had one dose before he came to you. If there doesn’t seem to be any signs of lice, and you don’t want to catch him to put the drop on the back of his neck, I’d leave him be for the time being and wait until his quarantine period is almost over and then make a decision. You really shouldn’t be afraid to handle him, though. It is much less stressful on the bird and yourself for you both to be comfortable and practiced with the handling and being handled process.

[willowsmum]

Thanks Hezz, great advice as usual. I'll be re-watching your handling video as that's what I'm aiming for and we'll start with the finger training today. Wish me luck

[clt80]

Yes I use it on mine....I take the water out of the aviary at night when I locked them in for bed, and then give it back first thing in the morning with the s76 in and they all run over to drink it. I stand and watch them queue up at the water bowl. It's potent for a few hours once mixed with water (hence removing water overnight so they will want a drink first thing) and for me a much easier way to treat a flock than individually. There are different ways to use it and frequencies, I am using the maintenance/preventative method at moment of 2 consecutive days a month. So usually 1st and 2nd of a month I do it. If a budgie is infected I think it's 5 consecutive days but you get the information sheet when you order, infact its probably online too.

[willowsmum]

That's really good to know. Thanks clt80. It sounds like it works well for you and your flock.

[Marianne Marlow]

I have only ever used the pharmaq ivermectin 0.1%
A dot between the "shoulder blades" once a week for 3 weeks for treatment of scalyface.

[willowsmum]

Thanks Marianne Marlow