Feathers Being Eaten - Mite?

Billy83 · Nov 12, 2015

Hi everyone,
I'm at my wits end with this problem which has now spread to a number of birds. Basically something is eating away the feathers in dead-straight lines just as if you've taken a pair of scissors and cut a chunk out. Although these are bantams I thought someone on here may have seen it on their parrot.

I've added a photo - could this be some sort of mite? I treated the birds with a general louse / mite powder which didn't have any effect. I got some Frontline and gave them two sprays to some bare skin at the back of the neck but this hasn't worked either.

If anyone has some information that would be great,
Billyhttp://www.parrotforums.com//www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/

JerseyWendy · Nov 12, 2015

Hi there Billy!

Yes, those could be caused by parasites (lice/mites). Here, have a look at these sites (you'll need to scroll half way through this one)
The Modern Apprentice - Raptor Diseases

Good picture of feather damage caused by mites or lice?

http://wildliferehabber.com/rehab-data/feather-conditioning-and-damage

Help, Bantam with lice!

dragonlady2 · Nov 12, 2015

I had a problem with mites and used Avian Insect Liquidator sold by All Bird Products. It is safe for the birds...you can even leave their food in the cage when spraying, although I did remove food and water. I sprayed the birds and cage at the same time. It has a residual effect for 30 days. I also sprinkled Diatomaceous Earth on the bottom of their cages for good measure.

Billy83 · Nov 12, 2015

Thanks for the responses everyone - I'm going to have a read of those links now.

I do have Ivermectin which we use on the cows, would it be OK to apply a couple of drops of that even though they were frontlined?

JerseyWendy · Nov 12, 2015

Billy, I'm learning alongside with you here, LOL. Here's another link about dosing with ivermectin.
Dosage for Ivermectin?

Billy83 · Nov 12, 2015

Right, I've read and re-read all of those links! I think I'm going to give them three drops of ivermec followed by another dose in three weeks time. It looks the mite lives in the quill part so dusting wouldn't effect them. I hope it works because it's spread from one to another very quickly and its upsetting to see.

JerseyWendy · Nov 12, 2015

So sorry you're having to deal with this. I truly hope you can figure out a treatment that will take care of the 'nasties' once and for all.

Perhaps you can sign up to the chicken forum I linked to a few times (if they're still up and running)??? I'm sure the folks over there have WAY more experience with dealing with these sorts of issues.

Good luck!!

dragonlady2 · Nov 12, 2015

Just an FYI. In my research I found there were more than one mite that can affect birds. If your birds have quill mites, I have read that Ivermectin does not kill them. If your birds have feather or red mites, you will be more successful with Ivermectin or AIL. These mites do not live on the birds, but feed off them at night. I suggested AIL because one of the sites I went on said they made up a bucket of the solution and dipped the bird, I believe it was chickens, in the solution. The DE powder kills them as they crawl through it at night to reach the host. Hope all goes well for you. It is do distressing to see how the birds are affected by this.

Billy83 · Nov 15, 2015

Hi again everyone,

OK these feathers pictured are from a bird who is alone with no others in the same pen. It's wooden so there are no areas where they can be "catching" and breaking the feathers. I've looked at various times of the day and night and there are definitely no visible lice / mites on the feathers (even in the dark using a torch).

Could it be some sort of deficiency? Or outside factor? They get a very mixed diet of layers pellets, mixed corn (maize, wheat) and greens every now and then. They're housed on sawdust and shavings and kept clean. Drinking water is changed every day / two days max.

I'm getting really down because I just can't seem to work out the problem

Taprock · Nov 15, 2015

That isn't mite damage. Mites congregate around the vent area. It's a bite mark most likely from another bird although they can do it to themselves. Watch and see who's doing the bullying.

dragonlady2 · Nov 15, 2015

Google "feather mite damage" and "red mite feather damage". Some of the feathers you have shown are similar to images there. If nothing else, I suggest you try dusting the nest box and the bird with Diatomaceous Earth Food grade. It is safe to use on the birds, but keep away from face area. You can even put a little on their food. It kills mites, insects etc as they crawl through it. I have used it on my cats and dogs for fleas and ticks and have given it in their food for deworming. If you have just noticed it, it may just be in the early stages. And if it isn't mites, DE won't hurt them.

Feathers Being Eaten - Mite?

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