How to treat ticks in budgerigars at home? - briefly
Remove each tick with fine-tipped tweezers, disinfect the bite site with diluted povidone‑iodine, and apply a veterinary‑approved topical acaricide such as selamectin; then keep the bird isolated, clean its cage thoroughly, and repeat the treatment in 7–10 days to interrupt the life cycle.
How to treat ticks in budgerigars at home? - in detail
Tick infestations in budgerigars require prompt, thorough action to prevent blood loss, skin irritation, and secondary infections. The first step is to confirm the presence of parasites. Adult ticks appear as small, dark, oval bodies attached to the skin, often near the vent, legs, or wing bases. Nymphs are lighter and may be harder to see. Look for itching, feather loss, or blood spots in the cage.
Immediate response
- Remove the bird from the main cage and place it in a clean, escape‑proof container.
- Clean the cage with hot, soapy water; rinse and dry completely.
- Disinfect perches, toys, and food dishes with a diluted bleach solution (1 % sodium hypochlorite) or an avian‑safe disinfectant; rinse thoroughly.
Treatment options
- Topical acaricide – Apply a few drops of a veterinary‑approved spot‑on product (e.g., fipronil‑based) directly to the skin at the neck base, avoiding the eyes and beak. Follow the label dosage for a 30‑40 g bird.
- Spray formulation – Use an aerosol containing permethrin or pyrethrin, spraying the bird’s body while protecting the head with a small towel. Allow the bird to dry before returning it to the cage.
- Dust powder – Lightly dust the bird’s feathers with a fine diatomaceous‑earth preparation designed for avian use. Ensure the powder does not enter the respiratory tract; apply in a well‑ventilated area.
- Oral medication – In severe cases, a veterinarian may prescribe ivermectin or milbemycin at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg body weight, administered once daily for three days.
Post‑treatment care
- Keep the bird under observation for 24 hours; watch for signs of respiratory distress, lethargy, or skin irritation.
- Replace bedding daily for the first week to remove any fallen ticks or eggs.
- Repeat the chosen treatment after 5–7 days to break the life cycle, as eggs hatch within this period.
- Conduct a thorough visual inspection each day; remove any remaining parasites with tweezers sterilized in alcohol.
Preventive measures
- Perform weekly cage cleaning, focusing on corners where eggs may accumulate.
- Install a fine mesh barrier on windows to block entry of wild insects.
- Quarantine new birds for at least two weeks and treat prophylactically with a low‑dose acaricide spray.
- Use a monthly preventive spray or dust in the cage, according to product instructions, to suppress re‑infestation.
Following these steps eliminates current infestations and reduces the risk of recurrence, ensuring the bird’s health and longevity.