How to fight feather ticks? - briefly
Remove and destroy infested feathers, apply an approved acaricide to the birds, and keep housing clean and dry to prevent reinfestation. Conduct regular inspections and isolate any affected birds promptly.
How to fight feather ticks? - in detail
Feather ticks, small ectoparasites that attach to plumage, require a systematic approach to eliminate and prevent reinfestation. Begin with thorough examination of the bird’s feathers, focusing on wing joints, under the tail, and around the vent. Remove visible ticks using fine-tipped tweezers, grasping close to the skin to avoid leaving mouthparts behind. Disinfect the extraction site with a diluted antiseptic solution to reduce secondary infection.
Next, treat the bird’s environment. Wash all bedding, perches, and nesting material in hot water exceeding 60 °C, then dry on high heat. Vacuum cages, lofts, and surrounding areas, discarding the bag or filter immediately. Apply an appropriate acaricide—such as a pyrethrin‑based spray—according to the manufacturer’s dosage, ensuring coverage of all surfaces where the bird rests. For species sensitive to chemicals, consider a botanical option like neem oil, diluted to the recommended concentration.
Implement a preventive regimen. Provide a regular schedule of dust baths using diatomaceous earth, which desiccates ticks without harming the bird. Supplement the diet with omega‑3‑rich foods to strengthen feather integrity, making attachment more difficult. Rotate and clean perches weekly, and monitor humidity levels, keeping them below 60 % to discourage mite development.
Maintain ongoing surveillance. Conduct weekly visual checks, recording any recurrence. If infestations reappear, repeat the removal and environmental decontamination steps, and consult a veterinarian for prescription‑strength treatments such as ivermectin or selamectin, administered under professional guidance.
Key actions
- Inspect and manually extract ticks.
- Disinfect extraction sites.
- Launder and heat‑dry all bedding and accessories.
- Vacuum and discard cleaning media.
- Apply suitable acaricide or botanical repellent.
- Provide regular diatomaceous earth dust baths.
- Optimize diet for feather health.
- Control humidity and rotate perches.
- Perform weekly monitoring and seek veterinary advice if needed.