How to treat ear mite in a budgerigar? - briefly
Apply a veterinarian‑prescribed acaricide (e.g., ivermectin or selamectin) according to the recommended dosage, and thoroughly clean the cage to eliminate environmental contamination. Repeat the treatment after 7–10 days and watch for remaining debris or irritation.
How to treat ear mite in a budgerigar? - in detail
Ear mites (typically Psoroptes or Otodectes species) infest the ear canal of budgerigars, causing irritation, crust formation, and audible scratching. Visible signs include dark debris at the entrance of the ear, swelling, and frequent head shaking.
Accurate diagnosis requires a close visual inspection of the ear opening and, if possible, gentle flushing with warm saline to collect debris for microscopic confirmation. Absence of other respiratory or dermatological symptoms helps differentiate mite infestation from bacterial or fungal infections.
Effective management combines direct acaricidal therapy, environmental sanitation, and post‑treatment monitoring:
- Topical acaricide – Apply a few drops of a commercial ivermectin or selamectin solution (0.5 mg/ml) directly into each ear canal once daily for three consecutive days. Use a calibrated dropper to avoid excess volume.
- Oil treatment – Prior to acaricide application, place a small amount of mineral oil or olive oil in the ear to soften crusts and facilitate mite removal. Allow 5‑10 minutes, then wipe excess with a soft cotton swab.
- Systemic medication – For severe infestations, administer a single subcutaneous injection of ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg) under veterinary supervision. Repeat after 7 days if mites persist.
- Cleaning – Soak the bird’s cage, perches, and toys in a 10 % bleach solution for 30 minutes, then rinse thoroughly and dry. Replace bedding with fresh, disposable material.
- Isolation – Keep the affected bird separated from companions for at least two weeks to prevent cross‑contamination.
- Follow‑up – Re‑examine ears 10 days after the final treatment. Absence of debris and normal ear canal appearance indicate success; repeat the entire protocol if any signs reappear.
Maintaining low humidity, regular cage cleaning, and routine health checks reduce the risk of recurrence. Prompt veterinary consultation is advisable if the bird shows signs of secondary infection, respiratory distress, or fails to respond to the outlined regimen.