little thin bugs on my birds

[new guy]

I have noticed very tiny thin bugs on my birds and don't know what they are or how to get rid of them. I am new to the pigeon world and would like some directions.

[Pigeon lower]

It would probally be lice, do you notice little holes in some of there feathers? usually somtimes in a line.

[new guy]

I will check it out in the morning and get back to you. thank you

[jameswaller]

ok,.feather lice eh,.been there done that,,they are not the same as human head lice,,these pests eat feathers,,i used-hartz-ear mite treatment 0.05% pyrethrins,one drop behind head on neck,should do the job,.sincerely james waller

[NitaS]

A weekly bath with 20 Mule Team Borax will also do the trick. I put in about a tablespoon in a cat litter pan of water. Haven't seen bugs on my birds for ages!

[theBrewMeister]

Originally Posted by jameswaller

ok,.feather lice eh,.been there done that,,they are not the same as human head lice,,these pests eat feathers,,i used-hartz-ear mite treatment 0.05% pyrethrins,one drop behind head on neck,should do the job,.sincerely james waller

is this stuff typically available at the local "Pet Smart?"

[jameswaller]

Originally Posted by theBrewMeister

is this stuff typically available at the local "Pet Smart?"

yes,-over the counter,..thats-the-timely method,.available at grocery stores,ie.,safeway,riteaid,walmart,.make sure the strength is 0.05%-pyrethrins/.i hate having to put out good money for a prescription,,when the problem is not going to wait,,sincerely james

[new guy]

With the ear mite treatment is that a one time application or daily or weekly time frame? Thank you

[plamenh]

Or Ivermectin, one drop behind head on neck, will clean birds of all external and internal parasites (expt. round worms) - once off treatment. It is quite safe.

[raptor]

could also be pigeon flies...i got rid of raptor's by dunking him in a bath (: didn't manage to catch by hand, they're really fast.

[new guy]

you were right on with the feather lice,, thank you I applied their first treament last night and this morning those little creatures attacking my birds weren't moving anymore. However I did notice for the first time this morning the holes in the feathers creating a line.

thank you again for all of your help

[flyingfree]

is the "hartz-ear mite treament" the same kind that is used to kill ear mites in dog ears? if so you can get it at walmart or most pet store such as petco and petsmart.

[jameswaller]

Originally Posted by flyingfree

is the "hartz-ear mite treament" the same kind that is used to kill ear mites in dog ears? if so you can get it at walmart or most pet store such as petco and petsmart.

yes,,just check the strength on the label,,place behind head one drop-on the skin,,this is a place they cannot reach easily,..remember it is an insecticide,handle with care,,sincerely james waller

[spirit wings]

that is interesting, if your birds have done well with it, that is another option that sounds pretty easy to use...

[Glyn]

Ive Just Bought Some Anti-Mite And Bug Spray It Was £4 From Pet Shop And Ive just Bought Some Pigeon Tonic That was Also £4 lol