How to remove lice from pigeons? - briefly
Apply a veterinary‑approved anti‑lice spray or powder to the pigeon, following the label’s dosage and ensuring complete coverage of feathers and skin. Isolate the bird, clean its enclosure, and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to interrupt the parasite’s life cycle.
How to remove lice from pigeons? - in detail
Removing ectoparasites from pigeons requires a systematic approach that safeguards the bird’s health and prevents reinfestation. Begin with a thorough visual inspection, focusing on the head, neck, and vent areas where lice congregate. Use a fine-toothed comb or a soft brush to dislodge adult insects and nymphs, collecting them on a white tray for identification.
Next, select an appropriate acaricide approved for avian use. Common options include pyrethrin‑based sprays, ivermectin oral drops, or permethrin dust. Apply the product precisely according to the manufacturer’s dosage chart, ensuring coverage of the entire plumage without saturating the skin. For spray formulations, mist the bird from a distance of 15–20 cm, rotating the bird to treat all sides. For oral preparations, administer the calculated volume directly into the crop or via a syringe.
After treatment, isolate the pigeon for at least 24 hours to prevent cross‑contamination. Clean the housing environment: wash perches, nesting boxes, and feeding trays with hot, soapy water; disinfect surfaces with a dilute bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite); and replace bedding material. Vacuum the loft thoroughly to remove fallen eggs and larvae.
Implement a monitoring schedule. Re‑inspect the bird at 48‑hour intervals for three consecutive days, repeating the combing process to capture any surviving stages. If live lice are still observed, administer a second dose of the acaricide, respecting the minimum withdrawal interval to avoid toxicity.
Finally, establish preventive measures. Maintain low humidity in the loft, provide regular grooming sessions, and rotate cleaning agents to disrupt the life cycle of the parasites. Regular health checks and prompt treatment of new arrivals will reduce the likelihood of future infestations.