How to treat scabies mite in a budgerigar? - briefly
Administer a veterinarian‑prescribed acaricide such as ivermectin or selamectin at the recommended dose, and simultaneously disinfect the cage, perches, and accessories with a mite‑effective sanitizer. Monitor the bird for improvement and repeat treatment if mites persist, following the vet’s schedule.
How to treat scabies mite in a budgerigar? - in detail
Scabies in a budgerigar is caused by the mite Knemidokoptes pilae. Effective management requires rapid diagnosis, isolation, appropriate medication, and thorough environmental sanitation.
The first step is confirming the infestation. Examine the bird’s skin for thin, grayish crusts, especially around the beak, eyes, and vent. Scrape a small sample of crust and view it under a microscope to identify the mite. If mites are present, separate the infected bird from any companions to prevent transmission.
Medication options include:
- Ivermectin: Administer orally at 0.2 mg/kg once, followed by a second dose after seven days. Use a veterinary‑approved formulation for birds.
- Mite‑specific spray: Apply a diluted solution of permethrin (0.5 %) to the bird’s feathers, avoiding the eyes and nostrils. Repeat after five days.
- Sulfur ointment: Apply a thin layer to affected areas twice daily for three days. Ensure the bird can preen without ingesting excess sulfur.
Supportive care:
- Provide a high‑quality seed mix supplemented with fresh vegetables and a calcium source.
- Maintain ambient temperature between 24–27 °C to reduce stress.
- Hydrate with clean water; consider adding electrolytes if the bird shows signs of dehydration.
Environmental decontamination is critical:
- Remove all perches, toys, and feed dishes. Soak them in a 10 % bleach solution for ten minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
- Replace bedding with fresh, disposable material.
- Clean the cage with a mild detergent, then disinfect with a 0.5 % quaternary ammonium solution.
- Vacuum the surrounding area to eliminate stray mites.
After treatment, re‑examine the bird at 7‑day intervals. Confirm absence of crusts and negative skin scrapes before re‑introducing the bird to the flock. Document the treatment protocol and any adverse reactions for future reference. Continuous monitoring for at least four weeks ensures the infestation does not recur.