How to fight feather mites? - briefly
Treat birds with a diluted ivermectin solution or a permethrin spray, and thoroughly clean and disinfect nests, perches, and cages. Monitor the birds weekly and repeat treatment to prevent reinfestation.
How to fight feather mites? - in detail
Feather mites infestations require a systematic approach that combines environmental management, direct treatment of the birds, and ongoing monitoring.
First, isolate the affected aviary or cage. Remove all perches, toys, and feed dishes, then clean them with hot, soapy water. Disinfect surfaces with a solution of one part diluted bleach to nine parts water, allowing a ten‑minute contact time before rinsing.
Second, treat the birds themselves. Apply a dilute oil‑based acaricide—such as a 1 % mineral oil spray—directly to the plumage, ensuring thorough coverage of the wing and tail feathers where mites congregate. For species sensitive to oil, use a veterinarian‑prescribed pyrethrin or permethrin formulation, following the label dosage precisely to avoid toxicity. After application, keep the birds in a warm, low‑stress environment for at least 30 minutes to allow the product to act.
Third, address the nest material. Discard old nesting material and replace it with fresh, clean substrate. If retaining any material, freeze it at –20 °C for 48 hours to kill hidden parasites.
Fourth, implement a regular preventive schedule. Rotate cleaning cycles every two weeks, re‑applying a light oil mist to the plumage monthly. Monitor birds daily for signs of itching, feather loss, or visible mites, and record observations to detect early re‑infestation.
Finally, consider environmental controls. Install fine mesh screens to limit external mite entry, maintain low humidity (below 50 %), and ensure adequate ventilation to discourage mite proliferation.
By integrating thorough sanitation, appropriate topical treatments, nest management, and consistent preventive practices, feather mite problems can be effectively eliminated and kept from recurring.