Bird mite infestation - help and advice please?

[The Green Demon]

Hello everyone,
Salvador now has a clutch of eggs. Stressful at the time, but we had no issues, thanks to a lot of advice here about supplements etc. She is an extremely devoted mum. It's just too cute. She has built herself an impressive little nest.

The first question I have is about cleaning when she is sitting on their eggs. She isn't in a next box, she's at the bottom of her cage. So to clean it properly, I would need to remove the eggs from the nest, and lock her out somewhere so I can clean. She is very protective of her cage and everything in it when she has a clutch. I have avoided doing a full clean since she started laying a couple of weeks ago, and only clean the messy perches and food dishes. How does everyone else approach this when their bird has a clutch?

Secondly, I have noticed her itching quite aggressively, especially in the evenings. I pulled back her cage from the wall, and found a small mite so I am guessing she has a mite infestation. I have begun trying to remove things from her cage so that it can be washed and disinfected. This really annoys her and its instant attack. I will continue however, and I have ordered all new toys and perches to replace the ones that are in there. Should I replace the cage as well or is that a little OTT? I have also pulled off her cover, her rope perches etc. and they are all going on a very hot cycle in the washing machine.

The other concern is the actual nest? I understand from reading online that EVERYTHING needs to be cleaned, toys removed etc but what do I do about her nest? Do I risk just clearing the whole thing out, replacing the bedding with some shredded paper and then pop her eggs back in to see if she will return? And I can only do a quick clean with a disinfectant as I have to get her in a different room and I won't be able to take the whole cage into the shower like I normally do. I have also now ordered a steamer so that I can more effectively clean her cage and surrounding areas.

I called the vet this morning, and they can't get her in until next Monday. That's a long time for her to go, and she is clearly uncomfortable. It upsets me to know she is literally being feasted on. She is not unwell; she is still eating, not feather plucking, but terribly scruffy-looking. She scratches constantly, poor girl, and I don't want to risk her getting unwell. Is there anything I can do, haven't done and advice to prevent future infestations? I do wonder as the is sat on an IKEA Kalax that has those wicker-type baskets in it, whether they will also be harbouring themselves in there.

Long story, sorry. Worried bird Mum.

 

[Jcas]

Ugh, I hate mites . How to treat them partly depends on what kind she has. Some mites live on the actual bird, others live in the bedding, toys, perches etc. and only get on the bird when they need a meal.

Unfortunately, it is likely that the mites are in the nesting material as well as the rest of the cage. Yes, they will be in the wicker baskets, yes HOT water will kill them. She sounds pretty dedicated so hopefully moving her eggs to a clean nest will not cause her to give up sitting on them. As for your bird herself, hopefully the vet can give her something that will kill the mites. Poor girl. In the meantime, misting her with water might help a little? Hoping your mama bird can get some relief soon

 

[The Green Demon]

They are pretty disgusting things. I have cleaned as much as I can around the cage. Most of the day has been spent trying to encourage her into another room so I can clean the bottom, but she isn't playing along. As she isn't going to see the vet until Monday, I won't completely remove her nest until then. In the meantime, daily cleans, wipes, and hoovers, I guess. All of her other perches have been cleaned, covered in boiling water and then disinfected. Fingers crossed that's been effective.

I feel like a bad bird mum. She's five and we've never had them before. She's so uncomfortable but not at all interested in a bath. She has never been keen on baths and needs lots of encouragement generally, but she's especially hesitant when she's sitting. She is still eating, drinking and active. If that changes, I will see if I can move the appointment up.

Ugh, I hate mites . How to treat them partly depends on what kind she has. Some mites live on the actual bird, others live in the bedding, toys, perches etc. and only get on the bird when they need a meal.

Unfortunately, it is likely that the mites are in the nesting material as well as the rest of the cage. Yes, they will be in the wicker baskets, yes HOT water will kill them. She sounds pretty dedicated so hopefully moving her eggs to a clean nest will not cause her to give up sitting on them. As for your bird herself, hopefully the vet can give her something that will kill the mites. Poor girl. In the meantime, misting her with water might help a little? Hoping your mama bird can get some relief soon

I really appreciate your comment and support. Thank you for your kind words.