Sequel: of mite, lice and fleas...

[marleen4]

I previously posted a thread about a mite infestation in my aviaries and the trouble I went through to get a bottle of ivermactin. The mites were pinprick sized creepy crawlers, especially abundant in the nest boxes, causing itchy critters. I was a bit worried about treating the birds as they have babies, but today decided to go for it after I saw a different insect in their feathers. This insect looked like a fruit fly, wings and all, and kept hiding invisibly under the feathers on the head (at least that is where I saw 3 different ones, two of them on one bird). Any idea of what I'm talking about? I hope the ivermactin will do the trick!

Also, do I need to treat the other birds, i.e. Chinese button quails and diamond doves? I also have a finch who cannot fly thanks to being rescued from a cat, and has been adopted by the family. He has become relatively tame!

I live in New Zealand, so our insect life may be a bit different to other parts of the globe.

[Hezz]

I don't think it will matter, NZ or other, Marleen. I too hope the ivermectin will do the trick .... it should and hopefully all birds will be able to stop scratching! Can you get one of these things and with little mutilation in killing it, get a good photo? I, for one, am very curious.

As for treating all, yes I would! This thing has wings! It could end up anywhere!
I do have to confess that my favourite of all of microbiology were parasites!

[marleen4]

The insects are hard to see as they hide under the feathers, and too quick to catch. Perhaps when I treat the other birds today. But, rather than a photo, the easiest way to describe them is like a fruit fly, about 2 mms long. They are bigger than I would have expected of a feather loving creature.

I also noted some balding patches on the quail babies,and will have a closer look today.

So much for our drought. I hope for frost this winter, to get the insect live under control again!

[marleen4]

I got the baby quails treated, but ran out of ivermactin. I should have bought 2 bottles as they contain so little. The babies have bolt patches on their back and neck where they have been itchy and I think they have damaged their own feathers, poor little things. Hope they feel better soon.

[Hezz]

Poor birds, I feel sorry.